In the latest Stein Line, Marc Stein had new information about Kevin Love and the Utah Jazz.
From Stein:
The Jazz and Kevin Love, I’m told, have not yet moved into serious buyout discussions despite reports to the contrary.
It is widely known in league circles that Love is determined
to play for a playoff contender at this point in his career, but it is also customary for a buyout process to progress to an advanced stage once a post-buyout landing spot is assured.
The search for that spot continues for the 37-year-old former All-Star forward, who was dealt to the Jazz in July as part of the three-team traded that landed Norman Powell with Miami and John Collins with the Clippers.
What this tells me is it’s not likely we’ll see Kevin Love suiting up for the Utah Jazz. The question is whether he even reports to the Jazz. Training camp is in two weeks, and it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll see Kevin Love in a Jazz jersey.
But that’s not a bad thing. Kevin Love is in the twilight of his career and Utah isn’t in any need to give him any minutes, nor do they want to. It’s a season of development for the Jazz and any minutes that go needlessly to old veterans are a waste.
The most interesting thing about this trade is that the Jazz haven’t moved towards a buyout. What that tells me is Utah is likely looking to use his contract in some sort of trade. Kevin Love is on an expiring deal worth about $4.15M, which makes it a usable contract in a variety of ways. And with Utah under the apron, they’re able to do a lot with their contracts.
I also just want to say I appreciate that the Jazz aren’t just going to buy out a player just because they want it. The Jazz have done things with a lot more confidence and purpose than they have in the past. It’s refreshing. I can promise you, five years ago Ace Bailey wouldn’t be in a Jazz uniform, and Kevin Love would be bought out and on his way back to Miami. Not now, this Jazz team doesn’t let outside forces dictate what they do, and it’s great, the Jazz finally grew up.
