Kevin Love already on his way out: buyout could send him to a major market for a graceful exit

Kevin Love isn’t expected to stay long in Utah. According to Marc Stein’s information, the five-time All-Star is « actively seeking » a way to leave the Jazz, just weeks after arriving from Miami in the trade that also involved Norman Powell and John Collins.

Kevin Love is looking for pathways out of Utah, per @TheSteinLine

« As for the busy buyout market: Stay tuned. We’ve already seen Bradley Beal (Clippers), Lillard (Trail Blazers), Ayton (Lakers), Smart (Lakers) and Jordan Clarkson (Knicks) find new teams after securing buyouts… pic.twitter.com/WRs7syNdql

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 3, 2025

Approaching 37, the veteran power forward doesn’t plan to commit long-term to the ongoing rebuilding process in Salt Lake City. An understandable position for an experienced player who could have shared his expertise with young big men Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, and Taylor Hendricks.

Finishing his career in a more glamorous market

This desire to leave doesn’t mean Kevin Love is considering retirement. Despite a challenging last season both athletically (5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in just 11 minutes across 23 games) and personally with his father’s passing, the 2016 champion still aims to reach 20 seasons in his career. He currently has 17.

If a « buyout » happens in Salt Lake City, Love could reach this milestone in a bigger market. Rumors suggest his interest in a « more glamorous market, » automatically bringing Los Angeles or New York to mind.

For this California native who trained at UCLA, the Lakers with his former teammate LeBron James could be a particularly appealing option. A « last dance » alongside the King would allow the veteran to conclude his career in a competitive environment, far from the rebuilding process awaiting the Jazz in the coming seasons.