Kevin Love

Kevin Love (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Utah Jazz are preparing to open training camp with the expectation that Kevin Love will be in attendance, league sources told RG.org. 

The stance comes despite weeks of speculation that the 37-year-old forward would part ways with the team through a contract buyout. Love has been linked to several contenders around the league, and his preference to join a playoff-ready roster has been well known in league circles. 

For now, however, Utah has not advanced buyout discussions and is moving forward with the plan of having Love report.

Current Contract Situation

Love arrived in Utah this summer in a three-team trade that reshaped rosters across both conferences. The deal sent forward John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers and guard Norman Powell to the Miami Heat, while the Jazz acquired Love, forward Kyle Anderson, and a future second-round draft pick.

From the moment the trade was completed, speculation about Love’s future began. A five-time All-Star with championship experience, Love has made it clear in the past that he would prefer to compete for a team with postseason aspirations at this stage of his career. 

That led to widespread belief that he would pursue a buyout and join a contender ahead of training camp. However, some veterans who have been recently traded to rebuilding organizations spent time away from the team. RG sources said the Jazz expect Love to be present for camp. 

Love is entering the final year of his contract, scheduled to earn $4.2 million, and Utah has signaled it intends to treat him as part of the roster until a formal change occurs.

Kevin Love Provides Veteran Presence

Love is entering his 18th NBA season and is likely nearing the end of a decorated career. Last year with Miami, he appeared in 23 games and averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, all career lows. The decline in production reflects his age and mileage, but his résumé remains one of the most accomplished among active players.

Across nearly two decades in the league, Love has built a reputation as more than just a scorer or rebounder. He is a five-time All-Star, an NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and an Olympic gold medalist. He has appeared in nearly 900 regular-season games, bringing valuable experience that few players in today’s NBA can match.

Around the league, Love is widely viewed as a wise veteran presence. For a Utah team continuing to build around a young core, his presence could be valuable in the locker room. Even if his role is limited, the Jazz see the benefit of having a player with his background and professionalism in camp.

Teams are expected to continue monitoring Love’s situation, especially if buyout talks eventually gain traction. But if there is never meaningful dialogue on that front, Utah could also attempt to use his expiring contract for salary-matching purposes ahead of the trade deadline.

Until further movement occurs, the Jazz’s position is clear: Love is expected to show when training camp begins.Â