Cleveland Cavaliers to honor Kevin Love by retiring his jersey at Rocket Arena

The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to honor Kevin Love by deciding to retire his jersey No. 0 at the Rocket Arena. The Cavaliers shared the news of celebrating their former star’s legacy after they recorded a 112-107 win over the Heat to become the first team to secure a playoff berth this season. 

Not only this, but the Eastern Conference toppers planned a special video tribute for Love as he returned to the Rocket Arena for Wednesday’s game. After the match, Love told the Associated Press that the Cavs have decided to raise his jersey to the rafters.

“I look in the mirror and think, where’d the time go? Eight and a half great years in Cleveland. My number will, because I’ve been told, will eventually go up there next to Nick Gilbert,” said Love.

The news left fans wondering if he had decided to call time on his NBA career. However, the 36-year-old continues to remain a part of the Miami Heat and doesn’t seem to have plans to retire anytime soon. 

Love headed to the Cavaliers from the Timberwolves in a three-team trade in 2014, and went on to spend eight plus seasons with the team. During his stay with the Cavs, he played 489 games and maintained an average of 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Not only this, but he also played a key role in helping them win the Championship in 2016, along with teammates Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. 

He moved to the Miami Heat in 2023 and reached his fifth NBA finals with the side. He has played a total of 97 games for the Florida-based team. In the current season, Love is averaging 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

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“I never got a chance to say goodbye”- Kevin Love after heartwarming tribute by the Cavaliers

After the Cavaliers honored Love with an emotional video, the crowd at the Rocket Arena greeted him with a standing ovation. Following the game, the five-time All-Star took to social media to share an emotional message with his fans back in Cleveland. 

“Cleveland – I never got a chance to say goodbye after my departure just over two seasons ago. It was too emotional for me coming to an end of a 9 year run that looking back was the most important and meaningful time of my life,” Love’s caption read. 

“The growth on the court and personally was not possible without any hardships, struggle and sacrifice- but it led to finding myself, creating a lifelong brotherhood with many relationships with the fans + community of Northeast Ohio and ultimately a 2016 NBA Championship.” 

“Thank you for the ovation last night and the continued support since becoming a Cavalier in the summer of 2014. I will always have love and support for the organization and beyond. Respect & Gratitude,” he concluded. 

Notably, the date of Love’s jersey retirement is still unknown. He will be back in action during Heat’s next game on Friday, March 6 as the Heat lock horns with the Timberwolves.