Kevin Love reportedly declines $4 million player option with Heat, but both sides open for negotiations

Love, a five-time All-Star, signed with the Heat in 2023 and is reportedly hoping to negotiate a new deal during free agency

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 07: Kevin Love #42 of the Miami Heat attempts a shot in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 07, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Kevin Love signed with the Miami Heat in February 2023. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Kevin Love declined his $4 million player option on Saturday, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, but is hoping to stay with the Miami Heat. Per Wojnarowski, both sides are "enthusiastic" about negotiating a new deal in free agency.

Love, a five-time All-Star, signed with the Heat in February 2023 after becoming a free agent mid-season, and re-signed with the team last July. The 35-year-old big man averaged 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 55 games off the bench with Miami.

After six seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love spent more than eight seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was instrumental in the team's NBA championship in 2016. Love will be entering his 17th season in the league next year.