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Kevin Love says he’ll be back next season with Cavaliers

FILE - In this April 23, 2105, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) looks to pass during the first quarter of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game in Boston. Love has watched the Cavaliers reach the finals without him, and with his future uncertain because of free agency, the power forward must soon decide whether to stay in Cleveland or start over elsewhere. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) FILE - In this April 23, 2105, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) looks to pass during the first quarter of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game in Boston. Love has watched the Cavaliers reach the finals without him, and with his future uncertain because of free agency, the power forward must soon decide whether to stay in Cleveland or start over elsewhere. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

By Associated Press May 31, 2015 1 min read

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) – Injured forward Kevin Love says he’ll play for the Cavaliers next season.

Love can opt out of his contract after this season, which was ended by a left shoulder injury in the first round of the playoffs. But the three-time All-Star indicated Sunday that he intends to remain in Cleveland.

Love had not spoken to the media since his surgery. He says it has been difficult to watch his teammates advance to the finals, which start Thursday. But he’s excited for them and looking forward to traveling to the games at Golden State.

He has exchanged text messages with Celtics center Kelly Olynyk, who yanked Love’s arm from the socket while going for a loose ball in Game 4 of their opening-round series. Love says he doesn’t hold a grudge against Olynyk.