HISTORY IN THE RAFTERS: Cleveland Cavaliers to Retire Kevin Love’s No. 0 Jersey in Honor of a True Champion, Locker Room Leader, and the Heart of a Historic 2016 NBA Title Run—An Emotional Farewell to a Cavs Legend…..

 

HISTORY IN THE RAFTERS: Cleveland Cavaliers to Retire Kevin Love’s No. 0 Jersey in Honor of a True Champion, Locker Room Leader, and the Heart of a Historic 2016 NBA Title Run—An Emotional Farewell to a Cavs Legend

 

In a heartfelt and historic announcement that has left fans across Ohio and the NBA community misty-eyed, the Cleveland Cavaliers have confirmed they will retire Kevin Love’s iconic No. 0 jersey, immortalizing the five-time All-Star and integral piece of their legendary 2016 championship team. Love, who spent nearly a decade donning the wine and gold, will see his number ascend into the rafters of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse—a fitting tribute to one of the franchise’s most beloved figures.

 

Love’s jersey retirement ceremony is set to take place in the upcoming 2025–26 season, as the Cavaliers honor a player whose grit, sacrifice, and leadership transformed the franchise during one of its most celebrated eras. More than just a stretch-four with a lethal three-point shot and rebounding instincts, Love became the soul of a locker room that defied the odds and brought Cleveland its first-ever NBA title.

 

A Trade That Changed Everything

 

Kevin Love joined the Cavaliers in August 2014 as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Andrew Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. At the time, the Cavaliers had just lured LeBron James back home, and the addition of Love completed the formation of a new Big Three alongside Kyrie Irving.

 

Expectations were sky-high, and Love delivered. Though his role evolved from being the primary scoring option in Minnesota to a supporting role in Cleveland, he embraced the challenge with professionalism and humility. His sacrifice in shot attempts and minutes was never lost on his teammates or fans. Love was a star who chose team over stats—something rare in any era of the NBA.

 

The 2016 NBA Championship: Love’s Defining Moment

 

No story about Kevin Love in Cleveland can be told without highlighting the 2016 NBA Finals. Down 3–1 to the 73-win Golden State Warriors, the Cavaliers pulled off the greatest comeback in Finals history to claim the franchise’s first title. While LeBron James’ block and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three are seared into basketball lore, Love’s defense on Stephen Curry in the final minute of Game 7 remains one of the most underappreciated moments in NBA history.

 

Curry, known for his quick release and dizzying handles, found himself isolated against Love on the perimeter. With the game—and the championship—on the line, Love moved his feet, stayed upright, and forced a crucial miss that helped seal the 93–89 victory. It was the play that encapsulated everything he stood for in Cleveland: sacrifice, heart, and a commitment to winning.

 

A Leader On and Off the Court

 

Beyond his contributions on the hardwood, Kevin Love was a leader in the truest sense. As veterans came and went and young stars cycled through the roster during Cleveland’s post-LeBron rebuild, Love remained a constant. He offered guidance, shared wisdom, and supported the next generation of Cavs players, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

 

Perhaps even more impactful was his advocacy for mental health. In 2018, Love courageously opened up about his struggles with anxiety and depression, breaking down long-standing stigmas in professional sports. His vulnerability inspired countless athletes and fans to speak openly about their mental health battles and seek help. The Kevin Love Fund, which he launched to support mental health awareness, continues to make a tangible impact nationwide.

 

“Kevin’s impact transcends basketball,” Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said in a statement. “He helped bring a championship to this city, but just as importantly, he showed our community what true strength and leadership look like. Retiring his jersey is not just a celebration of his achievements, but a permanent reminder of his heart and courage.”

 

Legacy Cemented

 

During his nine seasons in Cleveland, Love appeared in 489 games, averaged 16.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and shot 37% from beyond the arc. He ranks among the franchise leaders in multiple statistical categories, including rebounds and three-pointers made. More importantly, his presence and influence made him a beloved figure in the locker room and the broader Cleveland community.

 

Cavaliers General Manager Koby Altman described Love’s jersey retirement as “an overdue recognition of a champion who helped define our franchise.” He continued, “Kevin embodied everything we want in a Cavalier: selfless, determined, and always playing for something bigger than himself.”

 

Former teammate LeBron James also chimed in, sharing a heartfelt video on social media: “Kev, you’re forever a brother. We couldn’t have done 2016 without you. Proud of you, man. Cleveland will never forget what you gave to the game—and to us.”

 

A Fitting Tribute

 

The retirement ceremony promises to be emotional. Fans who watched Love dive for loose balls, battle in the paint, and stretch the floor with timely threes will get the chance to show their appreciation one more time. Cavaliers CEO Nic Barlage revealed that the event will feature tributes from former teammates, coaches, and even opposing players who respected Love’s tenacity and skill.

 

“We’re not just raising a jersey,” Barlage said. “We’re raising a symbol of hope, resilience, and the kind of heart that helped change the trajectory of Cleveland sports forever.”

 

The Cavaliers also plan to unveil a permanent display in the team’s Legacy Hall, showcasing Love’s contributions to the 2016 title run, his statistical milestones, and his off-court activism.

 

The End of an Era—But a Bond That Endures

 

Kevin Love parted ways with the Cavaliers in early 2023, signing with the Miami Heat after negotiating a buyout. But even after leaving, his heart never strayed far from Cleveland. In multiple interviews, he referred to the city as his “second home” and maintained close ties with former teammates and staff.

 

Now, with his jersey heading into the rafters, the Cavaliers and their fans get to say a proper goodbye to a player who helped deliver the most cherished moment in franchise history.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Retiring Kevin Love’s jersey is more than a tribute—it’s a storybook ending for a man who helped write the most important chapter in Cavaliers history. He wasn’t always the flashiest or the loudest, but when it mattered most, he was there—making plays, anchoring the team, and putting it all on the line for Cleveland.

 

The No. 0 will now hang forever in the rafters, not as a symbol of absence, but of everything Kevin Love gave: zero excuses, zero fear, and a heart full o

f love for the game and the city that embraced him.