When the Utah Jazz received Kevin Love as part of the trade that sent John Collins out, it was widely assumed Love wouldn’t remain on the roster for long. Now, nearly a month after the deal, that assumption is proving true.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Love is actively seeking a way out of Utah following the trade that brought him in from Miami in a three-team deal involving Norman Powell.
“Five-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love is actively exploring potential pathways out of Utah,” Stein reported.
Love’s reluctance to join the Jazz was apparent from the start. He responded to the trade on social media with a cryptic post, hinting at his dissatisfaction.
On top of that, the Jazz don’t appear to have a clear role for him. As an aging veteran on a rebuilding team with a crowded frontcourt, Love likely wouldn’t see significant playing time even if he chose to stay.
Realistically, it seems unlikely that Love will suit up for Utah. That outcome may be best for both parties.
What Comes Next?
At this point in his career, Love is no longer the All-Star he once was. He’s now more of a rotation player best suited for regular-season minutes on a contender looking to manage workloads before the playoffs. While his recent stats haven’t stood out, his ability to shoot threes and rebound still brings some value.
A trade appears unlikely, so a buyout may be the most realistic resolution. Love is reportedly interested in joining a team in a major market—specifically Los Angeles or New York. Whether those teams share the interest remains to be seen.
There’s a bit of irony in the possibility of Love joining the Clippers, the team that benefited from the trade that sent him to Utah in the first place.
Even if no team picks him up right away, the Jazz absorbing his contract wouldn’t be a major burden. They’ve dealt with worse financial situations before.
About the Author
