NBA Rumors: Kevin Love will Explore Free Agency, Going to the Celtics is a ‘Legitimate Possibility’

Although Kevin Love has repeatedly stated that he plans on staying with the Cleveland Cavaliers, several media outlets are reporting that the 26-year-old power forward will explore free agency this summer. These reports added that the Boston Celtics have become a "legitimate possibility."

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports stated on the Jason McIntyre Show (transcribed by Sheridan Hoops), "He's [Love] got options. He could stay another year [by not opting out] and go into free agency next year. But he's had injuries, and he might just want to sign a four-year deal somewhere else."

The NBA insider added, "I think he's going to look around. I think he's going to look closely at Boston. I think he'll look at LA. I'm sure the Texas teams are going to try and get involved. If you remember, he really liked Kevin McHale in Minnesota. Would he fit potentially in Houston? It seems like every summer, they have the ability to go out and create a max slot, and they do this summer again. They know they have the option to do that. I think he'll be in play. He could stay where he is, but there's no question he's going to look long and hard at what his options are."

If Love chooses to opt out of his contract, Wojnarowski expects him to have a better sense of his own role in relation to the team. When he was traded to the Cavaliers, he did not really discuss his role with David Blatt. Love struggled a lot at the beginning of this year.

"I think Boston would be interesting, because Stevens and Danny Ainge are a very interesting recruiting duo to sell him on how they'd use him there," Wojnarowski, who believes the Celtics is a "legitimate possibility," said.

Kurt Helin with NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk believes that Love will stick around for another year to avoid looking like a selfish player.

Helin wrote, "I expect Love will stay in Cleveland, at least for one more year. The reason is simple: image. If he bolts Cleveland this summer (particularly to play for the rebuilding Lakers or Celtics) he will look like a guy who cares about his own numbers and being the focal point of a team more than he does winning and rings... Love is concerned about his image, and how the perception of him could impact his ability to get national endorsement deals (among other things). He knows how it would look if he left this summer. If Love stays for a year or two - particularly if he wins a ring - then says he wants out, he can rightfully say he tried to make it work, but he's not happy and is leaving."

Love has till June 30 to tell the Cavaliers whether or not he plans on staying in Cleveland or opting out to become a free agent.