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Kevin Love Eyeing Another Move After Trade to Jazz

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 8:21 AM ET

It didn’t take long.

Less than a month after being traded from the Heat to the Jazz, former Cavaliers big man Kevin Love may already be looking for a way out of Utah.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Love is “actively exploring potential pathways” to leave the Jazz, who acquired him in a three-team deal involving the Heat and Clippers.

And yes, a buyout appears to be on the table.

“As for the busy buyout market: Stay tuned,” Stein wrote. “We’ve already seen Bradley Beal (Clippers), Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers), Deandre Ayton (Lakers), Marcus Smart (Lakers) and Jordan Clarkson (Knicks) find new teams after securing buyouts. Now five-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love is exploring his options after being sent to Utah.”

Love, 36, never really seemed like a long-term fit with the Jazz, who continue to walk the line between rebuilding and retooling. And if there’s another trade or buyout ahead, no one would be surprised.

He just wrapped up two-and-a-half seasons with the Heat, appearing in 99 games after being bought out by Cleveland in 2023.

Last season, he played 23 games in Miami, starting nine, and averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in just over 10 minutes a night.

Of course, in Cleveland, Love was far more than a role player. He played nine seasons with the Cavs, making two All-Star appearances and playing a major role in the 2016 championship.

He remains one of the franchise’s most beloved figures — and one of the most productive big men in team history.

But a return to Cleveland is considered highly unlikely, with Love said to be targeting a “glamour market” for his next stop.

Teams in Los Angeles and New York are believed to be among the potential landing spots if Love becomes available.

In other words, the next move may not be far off.

Love is still a respected locker room presence and can space the floor in spurts. Whether that’s enough for a contender to make room remains to be seen.

Either way, his stay in Utah feels like a temporary one.