Skip to content

Love wants to play 'winning basketball' in Cleveland for rest of career

Derick E. Hingle / USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Love did not have an ideal January - between food poisoning and back spasms, he was unable to play a full game while trade rumors swirled.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Love laughed it off Saturday night after posting 23 points and 16 rebounds in a 111-104 Cleveland win over the New York Knicks, sarcastically saying his life is "so tough."

With the Feb. 23 trade deadline fast approaching, neither Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue nor general manager David Griffin have addressed any potential trade opportunities with the 28-year-old.

"I didn't really think about (trade rumors)," Love said. "Maybe the silver lining was getting through the back injury and just going out there and playing. Had I not done that, I don't know if it would have been different or not. It is the first game of a four-game road trip and get out there after missing a couple of games and just wanted to feel good."

Love also said he has no plans to leave Cleveland, despite dealing with several difficult situations since coming over in a trade three years ago.

Like I've mentioned all along, I plan to be here," he told ABC. "I re-signed for five years and when it comes time to sign again, I hope to be here. I hope to sign and play winning basketball for Cleveland the rest of my career."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox