After being traded to the Utah Jazz earlier this summer, Kevin Love was widely expected to be bought out. Given this, many people connected the dots to a possible Love-Minnesota Timberwolves reunion. It makes sense as Love spent the first six years of his career with the Wolves, where he is remembered as one of the best players in franchise history, and would likely want to end up on a contender if he is indeed bought out.
However, NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that the Jazz and Love haven't had serious buyout discussions.
"The Jazz and Kevin Love, I'm told, have not yet moved into serious buyout discussions despite reports to the contrary," Stein reported.
Love was traded back in July, so the fact that he still has been bought should raise some eyebrows. Stein's reporting indicates that nothing is imminent. Perhaps Love is comfortable playing a veteran role on a rebuilding team. Retirement could also be on the horizon for the 37-year-old. If Love isn't bought out before the season, a mid-season buyout could be in play.
Don't expect Kevin Love to return to Minnesota
Even the scenario where Love gets bought out, whether that be before the season or in the middle of the season, don't expect him to end up in Minnesota. The Wolves recently signed Bones Hyland. While they do have an open roster spot even after signing Hyland, they will either sign Johnny Juzang to a standard contract or leave this final spot open for some extra financial flexibility.
Could they leave this spot open and complete a storybook reunion with Love if he eventually gets bought out? Sure, but I don't view this as a likely outcome. It would be an awesome story, and Love would be a great veteran presence. However, Love wouldn't crack the rotation for the Wolves, so it wouldn't be worth the financial impact. The 6-foot-8 forward notably averaged just 10.6 minutes across 23 games with the Miami Heat last season. As a result, I think the Wolves would shy away from this move.
Furthermore, in August, Jake Fischer reported that Love could relocate to Los Angeles and New York if he gets bought out. Subsequently, Brett Siegel listed Los Angeles as the specific spot where Love would like to end up. This emphasis on bigger markets doesn't bode well for the Wolves' chances of reuniting with Love.
Ultimately, all signs point to a Wolves-Love reunion being unlikely, and Stein's report is further evidence.