The Minnesota Timberwolves certainly believe they have a higher ceiling with LaMelo Ball now manning the point guard position. They will also have Ayo Dosunmu on the team for a full season.
It’s hard to measure leadership and intangibles, though. The Wolves saw Mike Conley leave for the Boston Celtics, someone who could have played the role of veteran mentor to Ball. Joe Ingles is expected to go back to Australia to play professionally. Naz Reid is younger, but he certainly possesses leadership qualities and was beloved by his teammates.
The Timberwolves could also use a power forward. Kevin Love can play that position and certainly can fill a leadership role.
Can a return to Minnesota be in the cards for the franchise legend?
Love can help fill veteran leader role that the Timberwolves have lost
If the Timberwolves were to bring Love back, they shouldn’t expect anything near the player they saw rostered by Minnesota from 2008-09 until 2013-14. He has now played 18 years in the league and will turn 38 years old on September 7.
Still, he’s a guy who will give it his all if his number is called and is still capable of giving his club production. Last season with the Utah Jazz, he posted averages of 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Per 36 minutes, those numbers increase to 14.6, 12.6, and 3.9, and Love also drained 37.3 percent of his 3-point tries in 2025-26.
Obviously, the 2016 NBA champion (with the Cleveland Cavaliers) can’t score as he did in his younger days, but he can still be a superb rebounder who is capable of knocking down open 3-point shots. He hasn’t proven to be a net negative on the court yet, and the Timberwolves wouldn't have to cringe if forced to give the five-time All-Star some playing time.
All of a sudden, Minnesota has a very young roster. The only player currently over 30 is Rudy Gobert. Giving a roster spot to Love would not always create nostalgic feelings for the fan base, but he can fill 5h3 role of veteran leader.
Now, I don’t think he should be the only power forward the team signs. Kenrich Williams is a player who can perhaps be had for cheap and might be able to provide more minutes.
I’m also not even saying to definitely sign him, but Love would at least be more playable than Ingles was the last 2 years. In any event, it will be interesting to see what Tim Connelly does to help fill the need at power forward.
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