Should the Knicks pick up Kevin Love in the buyout market?
The Knicks have two open spots on their roster and with a buyout market full of talent, it is more likely than not that we see New York bring in a veteran to either jump in the rotation if there’s an injury, or to play a leadership role for some of the younger players.
The buyout market got a lot more interesting on Wednesday when the Cavaliers announced that they were finalizing a buyout with former All-Star Kevin Love, who before this, was making $28 million for the remainder of the season.
While Love used to be one of the best power forwards in the league and is still an incredible leader, I simply don’t think the Knicks should use one of their roster spots on the 34-year-old.
The Knicks should not look to bring in Kevin Love off the buyout market
This season has not been too kind to the former five-time All-Star, who is averaging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 38.9% from the field and 35.4% from downtown on 4.8 attempts. Alongside this, Love has never really been a stout defender, so it likely won’t come as a big surprise to hear that he has been pretty bad on that side of the ball as well.
Despite how poorly he has played this season, Love could still provide value as a leader, but I doubt he would want to ride the bench under this role. He could play the same role or maybe even see rotational minutes for a contending team in need of his services.
In addition, the Knicks already have their backup power forward in the form of Obi Toppin, who they are at the very least committed to for the remainder of the season.
Obi may not be playing much better than Love, but he certainly has a lot more potential to blow up and have a big game when given the minutes, which has not been often this season. He is still undoubtedly worth playing over Love.
I have the utmost respect for Love and his skillset. I believe that a contending team will pick him up in the coming days and he will play a solid role for said team whether he plays or not. However, this role is one that simply isn’t needed in New York.
The Knicks have plenty of big men on their roster, so many in fact, that one of Jericho Sims, Isaiah Hartenstein, or Toppin himself could be pushed out of the rotation once Mitchell Robinson comes back from his injury.
While New York could certainly use a leader like Love, I sincerely doubt that, when compared to the other teams who want him, he would choose the Knicks. Who knows whether or not he is adamant about wanting to receive minutes, but if he is he should definitely steer clear of New York.
Maybe if Love wants to strictly be a leader and only play when there is an injury he could be worth bringing in, but it’s doubtful that there will be mutual interest between Love and the Knicks.
