The common consensus at the end of last season was that Kevin Love was returning to the Utah Jazz for this coming season. However, despite the rumors, Love not only hasn't come back but when the offseason wrapped up, he remained unsigned.
There were rumors floating around that maybe he would reunite with LeBron James, or he would go back to one of his former teams like Minnesota or Cleveland. However, it appears Love's time as a Jazzman and in the NBA is up period.
This isn't the biggest surprise. Love played a fair amount of games for the Jazz, but his time with the team was limited for a reason. Everyone's time in the NBA finds its expiration date at some point, and even though Love endeared himself to the Jaz, it seems as though his NBA career has come to a close.
There's not much else to say on the matter besides the fact that it's kind of cool that the Jazz got to host an NBA all-timer in the twilight of his career. They haven't gotten those chances all that often. Love's legacy didn't amount to much in Utah, but no one expected it to.
So, the tea leaves say Love's last stop was in Utah. At least, for now it is.
Things could change mid-season though...
It's very possible (and this is speculation) that Love has suitors, but knows his offers are only for the veteran's minimum, so it's very possible that he'll get paid the same amount of money now than he would be in February or March, he may simply be waiting for that payday then while having to play much fewer games.
That is honestly the dream for a long-time veteran like him. You can wait your turn, get paid more on a daily basis technically, and you likely wouldn't be called upon unless the team you play for doesn't have any better options. If that's the plan, it's a great one!
Despite Love not signing anywhere, he still hasn't announced a retirement, which also seems telling that he is waiting for the right opportunity. It's a long 82-game season, and teams' plans change depending on injuries.
A lot can change between now and the next calendar year. Love can't offer a whole lot, but among the players that are free agents, teams could do so much worse than him. And who knows? If this is his plan, maybe the Jazz give him a call...
Add us as a preferred source on Google