Many have wondered why exactly Kevin Love is still on the Utah Jazz over two months after they acquired him. While it would be easy to determine that it's because the Jazz waited until he was trade-eligible with other players, NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed the real reason: because Love doesn't have his next team lined up.
Stein revealed in his latest intel on Monday that Love and the Jazz haven't even discussed a buyout much because Love doesn't have a contender lined up to sign him if and when he hits the market.
"The Jazz and Kevin Love, I'm told, have not yet moved into serious buyout discussions despite reports to the contrary," Stein wrote. "It is widely known in league circles that Love is determined to play for a playoff contender at this point in his career, but it is also customary for a buyout process to progress to an advanced stage once a post-buyout landing spot is assured."
"The search for that spot continues for the 37-year-old former All-Star forward, who was dealt to the Jazz in July as part of the three-team traded that landed Norman Powell with Miami and John Collins with the Clippers."
Love is a far cry from the player who made multiple All-Star and All-NBA teams and won a title back when he was in his prime. However, he helped the Heat make the NBA Finals two years ago. At 37 years old, it's clear his days in the NBA are numbered. It is surprising that he apparently has no market.
Love might be with the Jazz coming into the season
Even though he may not play a minute for the Jazz, the team may simply pay love to sit tight at home before they sort things out. Again, a buyout makes all the sense in the world. Utah has no reason to feature Love in their rotation, and Love wants to win before he hangs it up.
However, when players are bought out by their team, it is typically standard that they return a portion of the money the team owes them, as they know they will recoup it with their next team. That's what happened with Jordan Clarkson. He gave back the equivalent of the veteran's minimum to the Jazz because he knew that was the exact amount the Knicks would give him
Because Love does not have the same promise lined up, he'd understandably be more willing to stay with the team, even if he won't play, as he'll at least get the full amount. It's not like Utah has much to lose by keeping him, so it's very possible that Love will be a Jazzman (tehnically) for some time. The only conundrum is figuring out who the Jazz would boot to keep him on the team.