Should The Denver Nuggets Take A Chance On Kevin Love To Add Veteran Experience?

The Denver Nuggets are poised to be one of the best teams in the NBA heading into the 2025-26 season. Having made some solid additions to their roster, the Nuggets look extremely competitive. But could they still look to make improvements?

The Denver Post's Bennett Durando suggested that the team could certainly use some veteran experience and leadership in their frontcourt, particularly in their second unit. 

When considering the Nuggets' frontcourt bench rotation featuring players like DaRon Holmes II, Zeke Nnaji, and Hunter Tyson, Denver possesses talent, but it may be lacking experience. On this note, Durando presented veteran forward and two-time NBA champion Kevin Love as a potential option.

Durando noted that Love could be on the way out of Utah, as he wrote, "The 37-year-old is widely expected to be traded or bought out by Utah before the season, and when he does, a contender will scoop him up. Maybe he gets an encore in Cleveland or joins one of the Los Angeles teams. But why not Denver?"

Love's move to the Jazz was part of the trade that sent Norman Powell to the Miami Heat, effectively changing the direction of the Heat franchise and transforming them into a younger team.

At 37 years old, Love is past his prime. When also considering the limited capacity in which he can be utilized at this moment, the two-time NBA champion only brings value in the form of experience. But this could align perfectly with Denver's needs.

Hunter Tyson is the oldest of the forwards in the Nuggets' frontcourt bench rotation, despite being only 25. Tyson has potential, but Durando noted that he is the least likely to receive significant playing time. The onus then falls upon Holmes, who is coming off an ACL injury, and Nnaji, who has been relegated to a very limited role.

Given the way the team has been structured, the Nuggets are likely to rely on players such as Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas to do most of the heavy lifting in the big man rotation, with Aaron Gordon also providing relevant minutes in the power forward slot.

Denver's sheer depth of guards and wings gives them enough flexibility to sustain their perimeter shooting and defensive efforts. But having a reliable veteran leader off the bench has merit when considering their title efforts.

Love has some value in this regard. Although his scoring and rebounding prowess aren't what they used to be, he remains productive. Last season, in 10.9 minutes played, he averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds. He also remains a solid spot-up perimeter shooter, as he shot 35.8% from beyond the arc.

Although his on-court contributions won't be significant, Love could be a vital locker room presence. Additionally, the forward's familiar relationship with Nuggets head coach David Adelman could be quite beneficial in building camaraderie.

Given the forward's apparent wishes to be moved from Utah, there is an expectation that a trade or buyout will materialize at some point in the season. On a contract worth $4.1 million, he is also a relatively team-friendly option. Thus, the prospects of joining the Nuggets could be quite beneficial for the veteran.

However, it is also worth noting that the 37-year-old has outlined a preference for playing in a glamour market. Considering how this acts as a restriction, Denver may need to find a way to bypass this preference if it intends to sign him.