TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — A person familiar with the decision says Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has opted out of the final year of his contract and will be a free agent on July 1.
Love came to Cleveland last summer in a blockbuster trade. He had a Thursday deadline to inform the Cavs of his plans. The former All-Star has said he wants to return to the Cavs, who made it to the NBA Finals this season despite not having Love after he suffered a shoulder injury in the first round.
Love can test the market, where he will likely draw major interest. He has to decide if he’d rather go elsewhere or stay in Cleveland and chase an NBA title with superstar LeBron James.
While his role changed during his first season with Cleveland, Love still averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 75 starts.
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AP Basketball Writer Jon Krawczynski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
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