When Kevin Love was traded to the Utah Jazz this summer, it felt like he would soon find a new team or perhaps even retire. Many fans (including myself) were surprised that he even started the season with Utah.
A move could still happen before the trade deadline of February 5. However, Love's impact has been borderline shocking this season, and if he gets traded, he won't be simply a veteran at the end of the bench but someone who could play at least spot rotational minutes.
Notably, Love is averaging 16.7 minutes, 7.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, on 41.5/36.7/77.8 shooting splits. In December, he is averaging 20 minutes, 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. This includes a 20-point outing in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, a vintage 16-point, 16-rebound game against the Orlando Magic, and a 14-point game in a win over the Detroit Pistons.
At 37 and after not playing much with the Miami Heat, this mini-resurgence is certainly a surprise. By all accounts, Love is one of the five best Minnesota Timberwolves players in franchise history. Regardless, I don't think even the biggest Wolves homer imagined him having a real impact at this stage of his career.
Love is turning back the clock
Now, I know what you are thinking: of course, Kevin Love could put up numbers with the Jazz; they're a terrible team. Expect they aren't.
Utah has been a surprising team, posting an 11-19 record, which puts them on pace to smash their preseason over-under of 18.5 wins. The Jazz aren't great by any means, but they're awful either.
And Love has been contributing to winning. Impressively, Utah's offense is 12.4 points per 100 possessions better with Love on the court per Cleaning the Glass. His ability to space the floor and make the extra pass makes Love impactful.
Of course, Love is still a great rebounder too. As noted earlier, he averages 5.3 rebounds per game, but he also has a 15.3 rebounding percentage per NBA.com. During his six-year tenure with the Wolves, Love averaged an absurd 12.2 rebounds per game.
Love is far from his prime, but remaining impactful at 37 is certainly impressive.
Love is still a trade candidate
While seeing Love make an impact for this young and feisty Jazz squad, it's easy to see a world where he gets moved at the deadline. Utah's pick is top eight protected, so it's widely believed they'll look to bottom out and position themselves for the draft ahead of the deadline.
Love could be a solid piece for teams looking for forward depth. In the summer, Jake Fischer reported that Love only wants to play in a big market, either LA or New York, as his career winds down. Whether this remains true or the Jazz will accommodate his wish is unclear.
I'm sure many Wolves fans would be thrilled to see a reunion with Love, and I don't think the possibility can entirely be ruled out. At the same time, I think it's more likely he gets traded elsewhere.