Kevin Love played a large role for the Miami Heat as they reached the NBA Finals in 2023. After playing through his first full season with Miami in 2023-24, he will now be rejoining them for two more seasons. Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported that the 35-year-old Love is re-signing on a two-year deal worth $8 million-plus.
Free agent F/C Kevin Love is finalizing a two-year, $8 million-plus deal to return to the Miami Heat, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/uUFBaErvb8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
Five-Time All-Star Agrees On Deal To Remain With Heat
Kevin Love Still Productive In The Latter Part Of His Career With Heat
After being bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in February of 2023, Love was signed by the Heat a couple of days later. He was mostly utilized as a starter. Love started 17 of his 21 regular season appearances with Miami and 18 of his 20 postseason games. The Heat were a surprise participant in the NBA Finals where they lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games.
The fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, last season was Love’s 16th in the league. In 55 games (five starts), he posted averages of 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 16.8 minutes. Additionally, he shot 44.0% from the field, 34.4% from three-point territory, and 78.7% from the free throw line.
Love previously declined his player option for the 2024-25 season, but it seems as if it were done to tack on another year to his deal.
ESPN Sources: Miami Heat F/C Kevin Love is declining his $4M player option, but both sides are enthusiastic about negotiating a new deal in the opening days of free agency. The five-time All-Star has played the past two seasons with the Heat. pic.twitter.com/uXU3bR8xPP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Should Continue To Play A Role
While no longer the player who was named to five All-Star teams, Love is still a stellar rebounder who can stretch the floor. His 13.2 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2023-24 is actually more than his career mark of 12.4 per 36. Love’s return will be welcomed by Miami fans as he is a great veteran presence.
Miami should be starting a frontline that includes Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler next season. Jaime Jacquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic will likely take the other starting role. Love will battle for reserve minutes with Duncan Robinson and first-round pick Kel’el Ware. It remains to be seen if the team will re-sign unrestricted free agents Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith.
