According to media reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves have a “handshake deal” in place for Kevin Love to join Cavs later this month, and veteran forward Shawn Marion could be offered a contract also.
The 6-foot-7, 220 pound Marion is 36 years old and will be entering his 16th NBA season. Marion hasn’t lost his talent, last season he averaged 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds in 31 minutes a game for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Cavs will be offering Marion the NBA veteran minimum of $1.5 million but the idea with him playing with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love may just be the incentive he needs to come to Cleveland. Marion already turned down an offer from the Indiana Pacers.
Marion has averaged 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds for his career and earned $9 million last season. Marion no longer has the athletic ability he once had but is an intelligent player and remains a solid defender. He helped hold James to 17.8 points per game as Dallas defeated Miami in the 2011 NBA finals.
The Cavs have expressed an interest in 39- year-old shooting guard Ray Allen but he is contemplating retirement.