NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Knicks, Alex Len, Timberwolves

Jazz

Kevin Love wants to play for a contender. Everybody knows it. But according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the veteran forward and the Jazz haven’t gotten serious about a buyout.

There’s no post-buyout landing spot waiting for him either, which explains why the situation hasn’t moved forward. So for now, Love is staying put in Utah, with the start of training camp a week away.

Several league sources have told Hoops Wire that they expect Love to be there, with the Jazz, barring a last-minute buyout arrangement.

Knicks

The Knicks aren’t done tinkering. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports that New York will work out a pair of former Lakers bigs — Alex Len and Trey Jemison III. They’re also set to take another look at Dennis Smith Jr., who hasn’t had a team since leaving Real Madrid in February.

New York can carry up to 21 players into camp. Right now, 12 standard roster spots are filled, with second-round pick Mohamed Diawara expected to join them on a standard deal. Kevin McCullar Jr. has a two-way qualifying offer.

The real intrigue: veterans Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and Garrison Mathews. All three are in camp on non-guaranteed deals.

But because of the apron, only one can stick without a trade to shed salary. The Knicks could still move a player or two to clear space and keep more than one.

Timberwolves

Minnesota has officially signed Johnny Juzang to a one-year deal, the team announced. Chris Hine of The Star Tribune adds it’s a non-guaranteed contract, meaning Juzang will fight for a roster or two-way spot in camp.

Juzang, 24, spent the last three years with Utah after going undrafted out of UCLA. He broke into the rotation last season, averaging 8.9 points in nearly 20 minutes a game across 64 appearances.

He shot the ball well (.429/.376/.849), but his defense was another story. Utah had the league’s worst defense and Juzang posted one of the lowest defensive ratings on the roster.

The Wolves now have 16 players under contract, with room to add more on two-way deals.