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The NBA buyout market is currently full of notable players after the trade deadline concluded last week. However, another big name is reportedly close to joining the party in the near future.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Miami Heat are expected to emerge as a suitor for Kevin Love once he finalizes his buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This would allow Love to join another team that promises significant minutes, such as Miami.

Love is averaging 8.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 38.9% from the field and 35.4% from the three-point line in 20.0 minutes per game. The forward’s numbers have taken a dip this season.

Related: Miami Heat among top contenders for Russell Westbrook after a possible buyout

Evaluating Kevin Love’s possible fit with the Miami Heat

Love would be a very solid fit for the Heat and it comes down to a few reasons. The first is that Miami lacks a big man after trading away Dewayne Dedmon, which was a necessity after being suspended by the team.

It would allow the Heat to plug Love into the rotation at the four spot and let forward Caleb Martin revert to a role that fits his style. Plus, the team needs another three-point shooter after not doing anything at the NBA trade deadline.

Bam Adebayo has become a brilliant offensive player on top of his terrific defense. However, Adebayo lacks a perimeter shot at this point in his career while Love has been a consistent shooter.

Sure, the Heat likely don’t become significantly better from a talent perspective with this move but there are more layers to it. The idea of signing Love would open up more possibilities for other players, such as Martin, in different roles to maximize their talent.

Miami’s lineup would be much more rounded with Love joining Adebayo, Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, and Jimmy Butler. Plus, Kyle Lowry could return during the 2022-23 season and provide a boost, even after the team tried trading him away last week.

The Heat have also been connected to Westbrook so could a reunion of the two former UCLA basketball players become a possibility? As of now, Love remains the better fit, and signing the big man should be the priority once a buyout is finalized with the Cavaliers.