Kevin Love nears Cavaliers buyout with Heat looming

Kevin Love is finalizing a contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers,

and the Miami Heat are waiting to pounce as the top candidate to pick up the last of the Cavs’ old Big 3, according to The Athletic.

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The buyout will enable the veteran forward to become a free agent before the league’s

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March 1 deadline to land with a team of his choosing and be eligible to play in the postseason.

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The Heat, who have an open roster spot, have been searching for a big man,

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The Athletic reported, and the 6-foot-8, 251-pound Love would fit the bill

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Love, 34, has been with Cleveland for the last nine years after six seasons with the Timberwolves,

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who drafted him at No. 5 overall in 2008. While in Minnesota,

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Love averaged 19.2 points,

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12.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists, and earned three All-Star game appearances as well as 2010-11’s Most Improved Player. award.

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