Nearly two weeks ago, Kevin Love was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team trade that sent Norman Powell to the Miami Heat and John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers. Shortly after the trade, it was reported that Love was expected to be bought out by the Jazz. However, this has yet to officially happen. At 36 years old, it’s unlikely that Love would want to play for the rebuilding Jazz squad. As a result, a buyout would make sense. With no move happening to date, perhaps Love is going to retire instead of being bought out.
Love has played for 17 years, earning five All-Star selections and winning the NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Undoubtedly, he has a case to be a hall-of-famer and is one of the greatest Minnesota Timberwolves players of all time. Notably, Love spent the first six years of his career with the Wolves. While nothing is set in stone, if Love decides to call it quits, fans will remember his NBA tenure fondly.
If Love doesn't retire don't be surpised if he returns to Minnesota
After the initial buyout rumors, some people speculated about a potential return to Minnesota. With the Wolves having two open roster spots and a loaded rotation, signing Love would make sense as a depth piece. From Love’s perspective, the Wolves would give him a chance to end his career where it all began and compete for a title.
This past season, Love averaged just 10.9 minutes, 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and an assist across 23 games. At this stage of his career, Love is simply a depth piece and veteran leader, which is exactly what the Wolves need to round out their roster. Minnesota showed that they value veteran depth pieces when they re-signed Joe Ingles earlier this offseason.
A Love-Wolves reunion is still possible. Regardless, Love not being bought out yet makes a return less likely, and retirement more likely. Perhaps Love is currently mulling through his options. Undoubtedly, Love is facing a tough decision to play another size, taking on a minimal role, or retire after an amazing 17-year career. If Love doesn’t retire, signing with the Wolves or another contender would be logical. However, if this process continues to drag along, the Wolves may already fill out their roster.
Ultimately, Wolves fans would be delighted to see Love back in Minnesota, but at this juncture, his next move is unclear. There have been no updates since the initial report that Love was a buyout candidate, making Love’s future murky. However, as we are deep into the offseason and roster spots are starting to fill up, expect an update on Love’s career soon.