NBA Rumors: Kevin Love says he will be in Cleveland Next Year

By Cheri Cheng - 01 Jun '15 16:08PM

Kevin Love is not done with the Cleveland Cavaliers, at least, not yet.

The forward spoke with reporters for the first time on Sunday since he suffered a season-ending left shoulder injury, which required surgery to repair. Love sustained the injury in the first round of the playoffs when Boston Celtics Kelly Olynyk pulled his arm out of its socket.

Love revealed that his injury is recovering nicely and that he expects to play in Game 1 of next season.

"I expect to be suiting up by Game 1 of next year," the 26-year-old said. When asked if the game will be for the Cavaliers, Love replied, "Yes, sir."

Love, who has the option to opt out of his contract to test free agency in July, has been the subject of rumors throughout the season. These rumors believe that Love will enter the free agent market to look at offers from teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Love, who played in his first NBA playoffs this year, also spoke about Olynyk.

"I initially was very emotional about the play," he explained. "I think everybody thinks, 'Oh, he's going to be able to come back, pop it right in,' but at the time when it happened, I kind of knew. And about a week went by, I reached out to Kelly, sent him a text and said, 'Hey, it's all good. It was a tough play.' And we just move on from there."

In the heat of the moment, Love had said that he believed Olynky intentionally hurt him.

Love, who has been cleared to travel, will be heading to Oakland for Game 1 and Game 2 of the Finals against the Golden State Warriors with his teammates.

"I had really wanted this, wanted to be a part of this run," said Love. "So, it's something that I look at as an opportunity. I think all injuries are. I'm super happy for these guys, proud of these guys. And there's times where I've felt down because of my shoulder, and they've been here to pick me back up. And that's kind of how it's been the whole year."

Game 1 of the finals will be at Oracle arena on Thursday, June 4 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.