Kevin Love’s Surprise Move: Why His Return to Utah’s Training Camp Could Change Everything

Kevin Love’s journey has taken a surprising turn this summer, landing him firmly in Utah as part of a multi-team shuffle involving Norman Powell and John Collins. Right from the jump, there was this buzz—maybe even an expectation—that Love wouldn’t stick around long; folks figured he’d be moved again or perhaps bought out pronto. But here’s the twist: he’s not going anywhere just yet. As the Jazz prepare to kick off training camp, Love is set to take his place on the roster, ready to lace up for the fourth franchise of his career. At 37, his numbers with Miami last season were modest, to say the least, but his value stretches beyond the stat sheet. A capable floor spacer, savvy rebounder, and one of the best outlet passers around, Love brings veteran savvy that could prove crucial as teams jostle to piece together their frontcourt depth. Utah, in the midst of a rebuild, might still be open to shaking things up post-trade deadline—but for now, Love is Utah-bound and game-ready. LEARN MORE

Kevin Love landed in Utah this summer as part of the three-team trade that saw Norman Powell move to Miami and John Collins to the L.A. Clippers. From the moment that trade became official, there was speculation — and maybe an expectation — that Love would be flipped to another team in a trade, or just bought out.

Nope. Love will be in Utah when the Jazz open training camp this week, reports Mark Stein and Jake Fischer at The Stein Line.

Love, 37, appeared in just 23 games for the Heat last season averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in the limited minutes he did play.

While not the All-NBA level player he was at his peak, Love is still a big who can space the floor as a shooter (35.7% on 3-pointers last season), a quality rebounder, an elite outlet passer and just a guy who knows how to play the game. As the season moves on and teams get a better understanding of their rosters (and injuries happen), there could be a team looking for veteran depth along the front line, and Love (making $4.2 million in the final year of his contract) would fit that bill. If not, Love is likely to get bought out after the trade deadline.

Rebuilding Utah is expected to be open to moving a number of its veteran players during this season. Love may be one of those, but for now he is in Utah and ready to suit up for the fourth team of his career.