At first, it seemed as though Kevin Love would be a one-hit wonder with the Utah Jazz. Between his interest in rejoining LeBron James, no matter where he went, and the Jazz bringing back Mo Bamba, it seemed like Love's time as a Jazzman was already over. But then, the Josh Green trade happened.
Utah did a 2-for-1 when they swapped Cody Williams and Konchar for Williams, thus bringing their roster from 15 to 14. Technically, they only need 14 players on standard contracts coming into the season, so they don't have to make a move, but they can.
It's also not like Utah is penny-pinching at the moment. They added a few extra million by adding Green, but they still have enough cap flexibility that bringing Love back wouldn't be much of a problem for them.
What may be holding Utah back is the fact that what Love brings at this point is primarily moral support than actual help on the basketball court. His presence was well-appreciated as the Jazz were going through yet another painful year of tanking. Perhaps now that they have officially changed direction, Love isn't as useful for them.
At the same time, title teams needed the kind of presence Love would provide. Having the talent to win it all is one thing, but having that steady presence so that everything is functioning to the best of their abilities is another.
If Love can provide that, the Jazz have good reason to bring him back.
Utah doesn't have to make a decision right away
The notion of Love coming back to Utah has been discussed to death this summer. If this really such a big priority for Utah, they would have re-signed him by now. At the same time, if Love was really in demand, he would be on a team by now.
Because of that, it's definitely possible that Utah is interested in bringing back Love but may wait until they truly are out of options. In other words, if the trade deadline and buyout deadline passes in 2027 with Utah adding no one for their troubles, Love would definitely be worth a look down the line.
For all we know, the Jazz will make more trades to strengthen their chances at a title run this season, should everything go according to plan, and if they do, it would give them the chance to bring Love back if they want it. However, when it comes to someone like him and what he is and isn't capable of, they're more than free to take their time.
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