Play of the Day – Dennis Schroder

The Phoenix Suns have emerged as contenders to sign Kevin Love, following Love’s buyout from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Miami Heat are also interested in the veteran big man.

Phoenix still has one open roster spot after signing Terrence Ross, following his buyout from the Orlando Magic. The Suns also have their prorated Taxpayer Midlevel Exception to offer in terms of salary, which would likely beat Miami’s offer of a prorated veteran minimum contract.

Love was also teammates with Phoenix GM James Jones on the 2016 title-winning Cavaliers. Phoenix has been looking to add one more big man to their rotation, after trading away Dario Saric at the trade deadline.

This season Love has averaged 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 20 minutes per game. All are career-lows for the 34-year-old. Love was dropped from the Cavs rotation nearly a month ago, which caused him to seek a buyout of his $28.9 million expiring contract.

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal plan to return to the Phoenix Suns’ lineup on Tuesday when they play the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Cup. Both Durant and Beal completed consecutive days of full practices before Tuesday’s game.

Durant has been out since Nov. 8th with a left calf strain, which is the same injury he dealt with this past summer ahead of the Olympics. Durant is averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 53.3% shooting, 42.9% from 3-point range while leading the Suns to an 8-1 start before his injury.

Beal suffered his calf injury on Nov. 12th. Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists