When the Cavaliers held a team meeting in which Kevin Love was confronted about his absence, it was more about the lack of communication from their leadership than being upset with Love. Isaiah Thomas is said to have been the most outspoken player against Love.

"This was not as much about Kevin Love as it was a bunch of players reaching their breaking point with a culture that was increasingly difficult to be a part of," a person familiar with the organizational dynamics said.

A second source said the Cavaliers weren't trying to hide Love's whereabouts.

"I know for a fact that if any of [the players] had asked a single question, the training staff would've told them where he was," the person said.