A new rumor suggests that Kevin Love could continue his career with either the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers . But is it worth it for either team to add the five-time All-Star?
"To my understanding, he only wants to be in the big glamour markets," NBA insider Jake Fischer reported this week. "I do believe it would be something along the lines of Kevin Love going to a New York, a Los Angeles type of situation. We'll see if that can materialize for him."
The Timberwolves and Cavaliers great was shipped out of Miami to Utah earlier this month in the deal that landed the Heat talented forward Norman Powell . The Jazz are expected to buy out the $4.1 million left on his contract and let him hit the open market. Based on Fischer's comments, he wants to potentially finish his career playing in a big market on one of the coasts.
The Nets or Clippers will likely pass on the opportunity. Leaving the Knicks and Lakers. But does he make sense for either team?
Kevin Love stats (2024-25): 5.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 36% 3PT
Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Of the two teams, the Lakers have more than enough money to add Love for similar or less than what he earned last year. Since they have around eight million remaining from their non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The Knicks are already at the second tax apron for a second straight year. Any additions would send them over that number and into some serious penalties.
That is why adding Love is very unlikely for the Knicks. They reportedly had interest in Al Horford this summer. Love has a skill set similar to the Celtics great. And even after signing Guerschon Yabusele , front-court depth for injury-prone big Mitchell Robinson makes sense. But if they were to go over the second apron, it would likely be for a backup point guard.
Kevin Love contract: $4.1 million
After signing Marcus Smart , LA's backcourt depth is pretty set. The same could be said about their frontcourt after re-signing Christian Koloko to a two-way deal last week. However, with a pair of elite ball handlers in Luka Doncic and LeBron James , the Lakers need more players who can stretch the floor. Especially bigs. That is why they had interest in Brook Lopez before he signed with the Clippers .
The Lakers have the money. Love has a history with James from Cleveland . And he brings a veteran winning pedigree to the locker room. It seems very likely LA adds the 36-year-old whenever he hits the free agent market.
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