Before free agency began, there was one question that had loomed in Cleveland months before they were defeated in the NBA Finals, would Kevin Love actually return to Cleveland? Speculations during the season were that Love would more than likely sign with another team this summer because of his reduced role and apparent fit on the Cavaliers. As the rumors continued to grow, Love stayed quiet as he watched the Cavaliers run through the playoffs after he suffered a season-ending injury in the opening round against the Boston Celtics.
Before Game 1 of the Finals, Love had let it be known that he still remained 'All In,' a motto that both the Cavaliers and their fanbase used to express their unity. But still there was media saying Love was as good as gone when the season would be over.
Once the free agency period approached, pictures surfaced through social media of Kevin Love meeting LeBron James poolside in Los Angeles, supposedly to have a talk about what Love would do next season. AP Sports writer Tom Withers did a piece including what Love said during the talk with LeBron:
''So, we just talked everything out and a lot of stuff was very honest and we came to a really good place and we agreed on a lot of things, so I think that was also a very big deal when you're talking to the best player in the world.''
Although Love was a free-agent last summer, he didn't have the choice to go to any team he wanted to, as he did if he entered the market this year.
"Every time I went through the different scenarios I always came out at the same place, and that was to be in Cleveland and try to win championships. I would be able to really help this team win and going forward make a very big impact on this team and on this city, trying to bring a championship or championships," said Love.
Love is a fiery competitor, so it is almost unimaginable how frustrated he was having to watch the Cavaliers lose to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals and not being able to do a thing about it. Next season will most likely be more of the same story as last, except the Cavaliers won't have as rough of a start like they did last season when they were 19-20 before their major turnaround.
LeBron James finally signed a two-year deal today with the Cavaliers making it official that he would return to the team, even though he wasn't conversing with any other teams to sign with. The one missing piece remains Tristan Thompson. Still unsigned, LeBron has voiced his opinion on how imperative it is for them to get Thompson to sign as soon as possible.
With the addition of Mo Williams to give a dependable and experienced point guard behind Kyrie Irving, on top of the Cavaliers having that year of experience under their belts, there is no telling how dominant they could be next season. Like in Miami, LeBron is playing with two future Hall of Famers, and after losing in the Finals his first year playing for the Heat they came back and won two straight. Love has made it known that he wants nothing less than championships for the rest of his career, and if everyone can stay healthy, you can expect him to capture his first next season with the Cavaliers.