Kevin Love admitted the trade from the Miami Heat to the Utah Jazz earlier this year was unexpected. In an exclusive interview with D.J. Siddiqi of Esports Insider, the five-time All-Star said he thought he would finish his career in Miami, where he had laid roots with his family.
Love was part of a three-team trade also involving the Los Angeles Clippers, which sent Norman Powell to Miami and John Collins to Los Angeles. Despite the sudden move, Love expressed understanding of the business side of the NBA. “Trades happen. It’s a business,” he said.
The veteran forward joined the Heat midway through the 2022-23 season and helped lead the eighth-seeded team to the NBA Finals, averaging 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during the playoff run. Miami’s direction shifted after trading Jimmy Butler, with the Heat acquiring Powell, who averaged 21.8 points per game last season. Love acknowledged the trade improved Miami while admitting the transition was still emotionally challenging.
Many expected Love to seek a buyout to join a championship contender. Instead, he opted to stay with the Jazz, citing his enjoyment of the organization and the role he plays for the team. “Walker Kessler going down has provided me more minutes, at least in the near future,” Love said, referencing the center’s season-ending labrum injury.
Love emphasized the importance of serving as a veteran presence on one of the youngest teams in the NBA. At 37, he provides leadership and accountability for the Jazz’s 25.3-year-old roster, which includes only three players over 30. “I think sometimes people can maybe overvalue a veteran in a locker room, but I do believe that the Jazz honour that,” Love said.
The forward also reflected on his career plans, indicating he could see himself finishing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Cleveland is a near and dear place to me. They were so good to me for eight-and-a-half seasons,” he said. Love remains focused on contributing wherever he can, year by year, valuing his love of the game and the role he plays on the court.
Through 13 games this season, Love is averaging 14.4 minutes, 7.5 points, and 3.8 rebounds per contest for Utah. The Jazz rely on Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George for scoring, while Love provides guidance and stability for the young roster.
