Before we open up this can of worms, it is impressive on Kevin Love's part that he went from an addition Utah Jazz fans couldn't have cared less about to a player would welcome back with open arms like they did with Jusuf Nurkic. Sadly though, we now have confirmation that after all the topsy-turviness, he indeed still wants to re-join LeBron James.
Until today, we had no confirmation that Love still hoped to play with LeBron again after the latter chose his next team. Now we do, as ESPN's Dave McMenamin confirmed Love's desire to play with James again in Philadelphia.
"Love's agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in touch with the Philadelphia 76ers' front office since James picked Philadelphia, sources told ESPN," McMenamin wrote.
McMenamin also made it sound like just because that's what Love wants does not mean he will get it.
"Though the 6-foot-10 Love and James have remained close since teaming up for four seasons with the Cavaliers and even vacationed extensively together this summer, that bond doesn't necessarily mean there will be a roster spot for the former five-time All-Star by training camp."
At this point, Love doesn't bring much value to the floor, but because of the example he provided to the Jazz's youth, he's still somewhat in demand. However, what he brings may not appeal much to Philadelphia, as while they have promising young talent like VJ Edgecombe, their priority is winning a championship right now, so someone like Love won't help much with that on the court.
However, having LeBron James in your corner can get you places. It's how former NBA players like James Jones stayed in the NBA well past his prime. When LeBron joins your team, you follow his orders whether you think it's for your benefit or not.
The Sixers have already benefited from this to some degree by bringing back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Difference being that KCP can still play, though even he has declined a bit since he and James won a title back in 2020.
Even so, Love would also join James for another chance at a ring. The Jazz will be good this season, but unless they truly exceed all expectations, this season is merely a step forward, not a title run. It's understandable with the little time Love has left that he wants to spend it both with a former teammate and on a team trying to win a title now.
A Jazz reunion isn't out of the question
It's clear Love prefers to play with James again, even if he's definitely not the player he was when they helped Cleveland win a title. If the Sixers either can't or won't add Love, McMenamin revealed that the Jazz aren't completely out on Love, though they too would have to jump through some hoops.
"Though Love has interest in pairing with James to pursue a championship, he has maintained a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy, serving as a veteran voice with that young group, sources said. Utah, however, also has a full roster."
Bringing Love back won't change much about the Jazz's fortunes on the court, but he would be nice to have as a voice in a locker room full of young and impressionable talent. Even if he winds up teaming up with James again, there won't be any hard feelings from Utah's end.
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