Links to the Present: 3/16 Love is Nearing Return

Kevin Love itching for return but mindful of chemistry | ESPN

Kevin Love is drawing closer and closer to a return but is cautiously optimistic to blend back in with some new pieces in the Land including Deron Williams and Larry Sanders

Windhorst: It was a great sign Kevin Love practiced today after practicing yesterday. He might be able to play Saturday night. #Cavs

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 15, 2017

Larry Sanders “ecstatic” to join Cavs | Harrison Daily / Associated Press

Larry Sanders is excited to join a “great group of guys” with LeBron leading the way.

Windhorst: Larry Sanders signed a contract for the rest of the season with a team option for next season. #Cavs

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 15, 2017

Windhorst: On Sanders option for next year, the #Cavs don't have guaranteed money up to a certain date, if they decide to pick it up.

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 15, 2017

Cavs wings look forward to get back to normal | ESPN Cleveland

Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Cavs wing Kyle Korver hasn’t been moving well.  However, J.R. Smith may be starting sooner than you think.

Windhorst: JR Smith is playing on a minute restriction and he may return to the starting lineup when Kevin Love can return to starting #Cavs

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 15, 2017

Derrick Williams has found ‘home’ in Cleveland | Fear the Sword

Waived forward and second overall pick, Derrick Williams, has found a home in Cleveland after being waived from Miami.  Through 15 games, he’s averaging 8.7 ppg while shooting 53% from the field and 41.9% from three.

Shumpert felt bad for ex-Knicks teammates as Cavs saved him | CBS Sports

Iman Shumpert wanted to “finish business” that was started in NYC but didn’t get his chance.  He’s still grateful for the opportunity in Cleveland.

“I was never the new kid in school or anything, so this was the closest thing for me to changing schools and going through that. For me, it would’ve been cool if [things ended differently with the Knicks]. I was hurt when I got traded, so it would’ve been cool for me if I had at least gotten to play my last games with them. I was sitting out for like a month and by the time I got traded, it was a deflating feeling, especially with that season that we were having. I felt like I didn’t get a chance to help get us out of the hole, you know what I mean? (winces) I just felt bad and felt like we had dropped a bunch of games. I felt bitter that I had to leave on such a bad note. I just remember the feeling [sucked]. It was like, ‘Ah, I’m hurt, we’ve lost a bunch of games in a row and then I’m traded.’ Then, shortly after we walk in and we get to playing with the Cavs, we go on a long winning streak. I kept thinking back to my old teammates like, ‘Damn, I was hurt and we were losing. Now I come here and I’m playing well and the energy is great.’ I just felt like they kind of grabbed me out of hell. And every game was being showcased on TV and we’re winning. It was just crazy. I was happy, but I felt bad too.”