Throughout the season, the Boston Celtics closed the gap on the Los Angeles Lakers as a possible destination for Kevin Love if he left the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to sources.
The Celtics were waiting for July, and the chance to let coach Brad Stevens lay out Love's expanded role in his system. General manager Danny Ainge wanted a chance to sell Love on a vision for surrounding him with complementary talent, on maximizing his popularity as New England's next star.
Love could miss time in the Cavaliers' second round series.