Report: Kevin Love to get his jersey retired by Cavaliers

Report: Kevin Love to get his jersey retired by Cavaliers

Current Miami Heat big man Kevin Love spent nine-and-a-half valuable seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While it didn’t get off to a super clean start upon being traded, he ultimately was one of the most integral parts of their 2016 NBA Finals run alongside Kyrie Irving and all-time great LeBron James.

Love, who was bought out by the Cavaliers late in the 2022-23 season, made his first return to Cleveland on Wednesday, where he was honored with a video tribute and a standing ovation.

He deserved all the Love he got in his return to Cleveland. @kevinlove is one of a kind ❤️

Replay of the Night // @ATT pic.twitter.com/HTCu0dJWKL

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 6, 2025

The Cavs paid tribute to Kevin Love in his first game back in Cleveland ❤️

He gave love back to the fans and reminded them what they accomplished together in 2016 💍 pic.twitter.com/8xD1s9ws57

— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2025

But a greater honor could be coming in the future.

The 36-year-old reportedly revealed on Wednesday that he was told that he will be getting his No. 0 hung in the rafters, according to Associated Press reporter Tom Withers.

Kevin Love said he's been told his jersey will be retired by the Cavs and hung next to Nick Gilbert's in Rocket Arena.

— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) March 6, 2025

Seven numbers–including Larry Nance Sr., Mark Price and Austin Carr–have their numbers in the rafters of Rocket Arena. One could assume that James, the best player in franchise history, will be next ahead of the 6-foot-8 big, who’s in his 17th NBA season.

In nine seasons with the Cavaliers, Love averaged 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds on 37.6 percent shooting from 3-point range on 6.0 triple tries per game. He made a pair of All-Star teams with the Cavaliers, including averaging 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds in 2016-17.

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The five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA honoree is ninth in franchise history in scoring and win shares, second in 3-point makes and sixth in rebounds. It’s a well-deserved tribute, should owner Dan Gilbert follow through with it.

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