The 2025 NBA offseason has come with several big trades. This week, in a three-team deal with the Heat, Clippers, and Jazz, NBA champion Kevin Love ended up with the Jazz, but he’s expected to become a free agent after agreeing to terms on a buyout that will cover the $4.1 million remaining on his contract.
Love, 36, isn’t the high-impact player he used to be, but his versatile skillset and championship experience could be useful in the right situation. After six years with the Timberwolves, where he made three All-Star appearances, Love joined LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, where he helped them win a championship in 2016.
Finally, Love landed with the Miami Heat in 2022, a place where he thought he’d end his career. After two seasons in Miami, with averages of 7.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, his future is once again uncertain as both sides move toward a buyout. As bleak as it looks for Love, there are still teams who would sign him at this stage of his career. In fact, he might be able to carve out a steady role in the rotation if he can stay healthy, act as a guide in the locker room, and deliver on his duties as a stretch big man on the court.
As it stands, here are four teams we believe are best suited for Kevin Love to make one last title run before his career is over:
Lakers Add Frontcourt Depth
The arrival of Luka Doncic in February changed everything for the Lakers, but it also ruined their situation at the center position. Ever since, GM Rob Pelinka has been working tirelessly to fill the role, but it wasn’t until the signing of Deandre Ayton (and the e-signing of Jaxson Hayes) that they really addressed the issue.
Even after refurbishing their frontcourt, the Lakers could use more options off the bench, especially in terms of shooting. While his efficiency has taken a dip, Love is a well-known stretch big man who shoots 36.9% from three for his career. As an added bonus, Love also has experience playing with LeBron James, so they already have some chemistry on the court together. Assuming Love is open to signing for the veteran’s minimum ($2.29 million), the Lakers are expected to consider him when/if he becomes available this summer.
Cavaliers Bring Back Beloved Champion
If Kevin Love is feeling nostalgic, he could return to one of his previous teams, like the Cavaliers or Timberwolves. The Cavs, in particular, make an interesting destination for Love. He was a key piece to their title run and stayed years after LeBron James and Kyrie Irving took off. He’s still in good standing with the organization, and returning there to end his career would surely make for a great storyline.
After finishing first in the East this past season, the Cavaliers only made it to the Conference Semifinals before their shocking elimination. With Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, they already have one of the best teams in the league, but they clearly need more to make that final leap. Off the bench, Kevin Love could provide key perimeter scoring and help the Cavaliers make plays with his rebounding and legendary outlet passing.
Rockets Are Not Satisfied With Star-Studded Roster
In the West, the Rockets were already on track for a dominant stretch, but the acquisition of Kevin Durant has put them into a whole new category of contender. They finished second in the 2025 playoffs but couldn’t get out of the first round. Now, with a stacked roster, the Rockets like their chances to make a run, but they have some cracks off the bench that need to be addressed.
With Love, Durant has another NBA veteran (and champion) to connect with who might help make a difference. His size and rebounding would provide a major boost off the bench, but he could also share the floor with Alperen Sengun as a premium passer, screener, and floor spacer. At this point, the Rockets don’t need to make any major changes, but small additions like this will increase their flexibility and could help them stay afloat if one of their core players goes down.
Thunder Add To Their Championship Roster
Coming off their first championship in decades, the Thunder are satisfied with their current crew, but it’s never a good idea to let the summer go by without any roster changes. As stacked as this team is, they are relatively thin at the power forward spot, and Love could be a safe, affordable option for them. At the very least, he’d be an effective leader and mentor in OKC’s young locker room.
For Love, Oklahoma City may not be the most desirable location, but he’s played in smaller markets for most of his career. With a team as stacked as the Thunder, he could extend his career by several years while competing for championships that would further enhance his legacy. If Kevin Love wants to win, there’s no better option than the team that just won the championship.
Where Will Kevin Love End Up?
Currently, Love is still signed with the Utah Jazz, but his reaction to being traded says a lot about his current situation. As a 5x All-Star, champion, and 17-year NBA veteran, Kevin Love isn’t your typical 36-year-old big man. He’s won at the highest level while playing with some of the best players in the world.
While this ordeal has been a harsh reality check for him, it doesn’t have to end like this. If he’s able to reach a buyout or decides to play past his current contract, he could retire on his own terms and go out as the winner he’s always wanted to be. At this point, nothing is off the table for Love, and this next decision may just determine how the final stages of his career will pan out.
