Report: Kevin Love Prefers ‘Glamour Markets’ If Bought Out
Jul 25, 2025, 2:38 PM
Kevin Love #42 of the Miami Heat (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Veteran center Kevin Love would reportedly prefer to play in a high-profile market if he agrees to a buyout with the Utah Jazz.
The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer discussed Love’s future in a YouTube chat for Bleacher Report on July 24.
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Why Haven’t Jazz Bought Out Kevin Love?
In his question and answer segment, Fischer mentioned the latest on Love’s situation with the Jazz, including the reason for the delay in a potential buyout.
“All these buyouts this summer have only been determined and finalized when the team gives an agent permission to have conversations with other teams,” Fischer noted. “And the buyout doesn’t typically really get figured out until that next situation is fully determined.”
The Jazz followed this process with Jordan Clarkson, who was bought out of his contract after finding his next landing spot with the New York Knicks.
This strategy is beneficial for the player being bought out, who can first guarantee himself a landing spot and a new contract, while the team conducting the buyout can save money, typically subtracting the player’s new salary from the buyout terms.
“If you’re Kevin Love, if you’re giving up a guaranteed situation — guaranteed veteran’s minimum, I don’t think you’re going to sign the check or sign the paperwork to give up guaranteed millions of dollars until you have your next situation lined up,” Fischer said.
Fischer: Kevin Love Would Prefer “Glamour Market”
If Love is bought out, it will likely be because he has found a new home in a bigger city to play the final years of his career.
Love, 36, played a bit role in Miami last season, appearing in just 23 games while averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 10.9 minutes per game.
The five-time All-Star won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 but has made three additional Finals appearances since.
“To my understanding, he really only wants to be in the big glamour markets,” Fischer said.
“I do think it would mostly be something along the lines of Kevin Love going to New York or a Los Angeles type of situation.”
The Knicks currently have just 12 players under contract and need to get to at least 13 players by opening night of the NBA’s regular season.
The Lakers have 14 players under contract, and could look to add Love to provide emergency depth behind inconsistent centers DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
The Jazz roster currently sits at 15 players, including Love. The team is under no obligation to move on from the veteran, nor has the future Hall of Famer publicly indicated that he’s looking to be bought out.
The two sides could also agree to a trade that would net the Jazz an asset in return for the UCLA product.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
