Nuggets linked to move for NBA champion, five-time All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News
Even though the Utah Jazz acquired Kevin Love this summer, it isn’t likely that the veteran forward will suit up for the team during the 2025-26 season.
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Love was included in a three-team deal that involved the Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat this past July. But HoopsWire.com’s Sam Amico reported on Sept. 8 that Utah are exploring a buyout or trade for Love, which could happen within the next two weeks.
Love still has some gas left in the tank, and he will likely join a competing team — specifically, somewhere where he can link up with past teammates or coaches. He could find such a situation with the Denver Nuggets.
Love linked to a number of teams, including the Nuggets
In the midst of Amico’s report, the biggest question revolving around Love’s future is where he will ultimately land.
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Jazz on SI’s Jared Koch proposed that Love could sign a deal with the Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers or Orlando Magic. The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, meanwhile, believes he could be a fit for the Nuggets because of a previous coaching connection.
“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,” Durando wrote. “But why not Denver? He and Adelman have a previous relationship from their overlapping years with the Timberwolves. Love also played high school ball near Portland, Ore., and lost the 2005 state championship game to Jesuit High School — where Adelman was a volunteer assistant coach at the time.”
Love was utilized in a limited role for the Heat last season, making 23 regular-season appearances (including nine starts). He averaged 10.9 minutes played, 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.