Jazz Likely to Move Kevin Love Before Season Starts

The Utah Jazz are poised to part ways with veteran forward Kevin Love, who joined the team this past July as part of a trade that sent Norman Powell to the Miami Heat and John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers. Love, who is currently on an expiring contract worth $4.15 million, may not be long for Utah, with expectations mounting for a trade or buyout ahead of the upcoming season.

Sources indicate that Love has been “actively exploring potential pathways out of Utah,” as highlighted by Marc Stein from The Stein Line in August. This sentiment was echoed by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, who reported that the 37-year-old forward is widely anticipated to be moved or bought out before the Jazz begin their season.

After finishing last in the league with a dismal 17-65 record, the Jazz are in a rebuilding phase, making the veteran’s presence less desirable. Love, entering his 18th NBA season, has shifted into more of a mentorship role over the past few years, despite having previously earned recognition as a Sixth Man of the Year runner-up in the 2021-22 season.

As the situation unfolds, speculation about potential suitors for Love is heating up. A contender is viewed as the most likely destination if and when he becomes available. Durando mentioned the Denver Nuggets as a possibility, considering Love’s strong connection with head coach David Adelman, who served as an assistant coach during Love’s formative years in Minnesota.

The Nuggets currently rely on a young roster for their forward depth, featuring players such as Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes II, Zeke Nnaji, and Hunter Tyson. Of this group, only Watson has established himself as a regular in the rotation. Thus, the addition of a seasoned player like Love could provide invaluable experience and leadership to a developing team as they aim for a deep playoff run.

The impending decision regarding Love’s future with the Jazz adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s offseason plans. With the franchise focusing on youth and rebuilding, it seems increasingly unlikely that Love will remain a part of their long-term vision. As reported by hoopswire.com, the likelihood of a trade or buyout suggests that both the Jazz and Love are preparing for a significant change in the coming weeks.

As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will remain on Utah to see how they handle this situation. With Love’s experience and talent, there will undoubtedly be interest from other teams looking to bolster their rosters as they gear up for a competitive season.