When the Utah Jazz acquired Kevin Love, it wasn't really for what he could still do on the basketball court. When many thought a buyout was inevitable, the Jazz made it clear Love was sticking around. What may have been the biggest surprise is how much Love has loved being a Jazzman. Why is that the case? Because Love still loves being in the NBA, unlike many players around his age who didn't get the same opportunity.
In an interview with Kay Adams, Love explained why he has embraced his role with the Jazz, even if his role isn't nearly what it was in his heyday.
"I think it's an ungrateful league. I'm just very grateful to still have value to have a role, to play minutes, and being here (in the NBA) for 18 years. There's just not that many people that have actually done that, a lot of success over that length of time. I'm just very grateful to impart wisdom on the younger guys on the team, and again, this is just a new chapter," Love said.
5x All-Star Kevin Love on why he’s "very grateful" to be in Utah for his 18th season@utahjazz | @kevinlove | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/a0Pd7yaYmE
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 13, 2025
Love was added as cap filler in the John Collins trade, and yet, he seemingly has played a bigger role than many would have expected. The Jazz have singled out his influence in the locker room. Plus, with Walker Kessler out for the season, that opens up the possibility for Love to play minutes. That may not have been the case if Kessler had stayed healthy, but at least he gets playing time.
How long will this chapter last?
Love is on an expiring contract. With Utah expecting to make many vital decisions this coming offseason, many will wonder what their plans are with Love. On the one hand, there wouldn't be much harm in keeping a veteran who has embraced his role as an influence for their young players.
On the other, there are only so many roster spots the Jazz will have available. Love will be one of three unrestricted free agents this offseason which includes Jusuf Nurkic and Georges Niang. Utah also has two players they could (and likely will) part ways with if they want to save as much cap room as possible with Kyle Anderson and Svi Mykhailiuk.
Utah also have quite a few picks incoming (though one could be forked over to OKC), so the team has to decide if the best move is to take in more young talent to develop or having Love around to help the young talent they have now reach its potential.
Love says he's grateful to still be in the show. If Utah didn't care about that, they would have just waived him. Because he's made the most of the few opportunities he has left, the Jazz just might keep such a positive influence around.