Another blockbuster NBA trade happened, as Norman Powell was dealt to the Miami Heat, John Collins was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, and Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson were shipped to the Utah Jazz. Shortly after this trade went down, Jake Fischer reported that Kevin Love is now a buyout candidate in Utah.
BREAKING: The Clippers, Jazz and Heat have agreed to a trade that sends Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to Los Angeles, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 Clippers second-round pick to the Jazz, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/o0FkV0o2l8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025
At 36, Love wouldn’t be interested in playing for a rebuilding Jazz squad. Love even tweeted a funny remark, saying he never thought he’d be a math problem. All signs point to Love being bought out or perhaps even retiring. If Love wants to keep playing, a reunion with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he started his career, makes a lot of sense.
Never thought I’d be a math problem. Welcome to the NBA.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 7, 2025
A Kevin Love-Timberwolves reunion is logical for both sides
At this stage of Love's career, he is a veteran presence on a competitive team. This past season, he averaged 10.9 minutes, 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and an assist on 35.7/35.8/69.6 shooting splits across 23 games. If he needs to play, Love’s rebounding and floor spacing are still valuable skills.
As the Wolves look to round out their roster, they’ll likely sign one player to a veteran minimum contract. In doing so, they’ll be able to narrowly avoid the second apron. The Wolves proved they value having veteran depth pieces when they re-signed Joe Ingles. With a loaded rotation, the Wolves don’t have many minutes available. As a result, signing Love would make a lot of sense for the Wolves. For Love, playing a competitive team would be an exciting possibility. Plus, Love was a beloved and accomplished Timberwolf.
Love is an all-time great Timberwolves player
Love spent his first six seasons with the Wolves. During this tenure, he averaged 19.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 45.1/36.2/81.5 shooting splits. Impressively, Love made three All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams, was named the league’s Most Improved Player, and led the league in rebounding once with the Wolves. Love is widely regarded as one of the best players in franchise history.
A reunion with the Wolves feels like a fitting way for Love to close out his career. When Love played for the Wolves, they weren’t competitive. However, now they are one of the league’s best teams. Having a chance to win a championship in the place where it all started would be a poetic ending for Love’s career. For the Wolves, having another veteran presence who is willing to accept a minimal role is ideal, especially given his connection with the franchise. Ultimately, a Love-Timberwolves reunion is an intriguing possibility to watch for.