Kevin Love says he expects to remain with Cavs next season

Kevin Love underwent season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this offseason, but he insists he has not played his final game with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On Tuesday, Love told reporters that he fully expects to remain with the Cavs next season. The three-time NBA All-Star said he “truly” believes he will be ready for Game 1 of the 2015-2016 season. When asked if he expects to be playing in Cleveland, Love was pretty clear.

“Yes, sir,” he said, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com.

Love will almost certainly opt out of his current deal with the Cavs, but he could still remain in Cleveland on a new contract. Given the friction that has existed between him and LeBron, there are more than a few people who feel Love will explore his options once the season is over.

We have heard plenty of rumors linking Love to a certain team on the west coast, but the 26-year-old has attempted to throw cold water that speculation. With the Cavs set to take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, it would make little sense for Love to indicate that he will shop around this summer. That would be a distraction his team doesn’t need.