The five-time All-Star could return to his roots as Minnesota considers a sentimental reunion, seeking Love’s veteran presence to bolster their roster for a deep postseason run.
Kevin Love's brief stay with the Utah Jazz could be followed by quite the homecoming.
With training camp approaching and the 37-year-old still unsigned following his season in Salt Lake City, Love has emerged as a potential option for the franchise where his NBA career began 18 years ago.
Love is open to returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have some interest in bringing him back, The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski revealed on a recent episode of "The Jon Krawczynski Show."
"From what I understand, Kevin Love is open to coming back to Minnesota," Krawczynski said. "I do think the Wolves have some interest in bringing him back as well. It would just be a phenomenal story if the Wolves did decide to fill that spot, and they did it with Kevin Love."
A reunion remains far from a certainty.
Krawczynski added that Minnesota is considering other candidates for its open roster spot and characterized a Love reunion as "probably less likely that it happens than it doesn't." Still, the interest provides some clarity on a potential landing spot for Love following his season with the Jazz.
Love appeared in 37 games for Utah last season, making five starts while averaging 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists across 16.6 minutes per game.
Utah represented another change of scenery late in a career that has now spanned nearly two decades. Love's role has changed substantially from his All-Star days, though his experience and ability to provide minutes off the bench could still give him value for a team with postseason aspirations.
At this stage of his career, Minnesota's interest could extend well beyond what Love provides on the court.
Krawczynski specifically pointed toward the veteran presence Minnesota lost this offseason, naming Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson and Joe Ingles while explaining why another experienced voice could help the Timberwolves navigate a long season.
Love certainly checks that box … and the sentimental component would be difficult to miss.
He spent his first six NBA seasons with Minnesota after arriving in a draft-night trade in 2008, earning three All-Star selections before being dealt to Cleveland in 2014.
Love eventually won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 before later making stops with Miami and Utah.
A return to Minnesota would therefore carry a different significance than simply finding Love another roster spot. He became one of the league's premier big men during his original Timberwolves tenure before leaving to chase a championship alongside LeBron James in Cleveland.
Love turns 38 on Sept. 7, leaving his NBA future worth watching as training camp approaches.
If Minnesota ultimately decides he's the veteran it wants for that open roster spot, Love could follow his short Jazz tenure by bringing his NBA career all the way back to where it started.
