Clarkson: Jazz players on flight feared ‘the end’

Kevin Love is finalizing a buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Sources add that the Heat are expected to register interest for Love.

Love, who was recently removed from the team’s rotation, was currently in the final year of a 4-year, $120 million extension signed in 2018.

The Miami Heat have reportedly had trade talks involving Jimmy Butler with a number of teams. However, no trade is close because Miami doesn’t like the options they have.

The Heat are facing an awkward situation, with Butler’s team-issued suspension soon to expire. Butler has indicated he’s ready to return to the team and play. But Miami is seemingly reluctant to go down that path. The Heat suspended Butler because of his lack of effort in games after his trade request, not because of the trade request itself. That’s not a situation Miami wants to see repeat if Butler plays in games for them again.

After meeting with Heat president Pat Riley, Butler reissued his trade demand. He also made it clear he would not sign another contract with Miami. Butler also indicated he may use his $52.4 million player option as leverage to force a situation where he opts in to be traded this offseason.