Earlier this offseason, Miami Heat big man Kevin Love signed a two-year, $8 million to remain with the team through the 2025-26 season. If he plays through this contract, Love will have 18 playing years in the NBA. By every metric, this is an incredible feat. However, the five-time All-Star reportedly wants more than that.
In an interview during Media Day earlier this week, Love spoke about his playing career. Once an elite power forward at his peak, Love has come back down to earth over the past few seasons. Most notably, Love has not averaged double-digit points per game since the 2021-22 season as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Regardless, retirement is not on Love’s mind just yet, as made clear with his new contract. Furthermore, Love revealed one specific goal he has–reach 20 seasons played in the league.
“I think settling and not looking at the next 12 months, I have a little bit of a runway for at least two years. Then we’ll see after that. Would love to get to that round number in 20. Certainly love being here… It just made a lot of sense on my end to look for that and want to be here at least for two more years.”
If Love can achieve this, he will join a relatively exclusive club. Currently, only 10 NBA players in history have reached 20 seasons, with just three surpassing that. These players are Vince Carter, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Jamal Crawford, and Udonis Haslem.
Heat’s Kevin Love Reveals Major NBA Career Plans
The Hall of Fame Could Be in Kevin Love’s Future
Of the 10 aforementioned players, six of them are in the Hall of Fame (though James will be the seventh once he retires and becomes eligible). Furthermore, at this stage in his career, Love has built a solid resume. In the NBA, he is a former champion, a five-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, a one-time Most Improved Player winner, and a one-time rebounding leader. Additionally, he finished as the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022. Furthermore, outside of the NBA, Love is a one-time Olympic gold medalist and a one-time FIBA World Cup champion.
Currently, Basketball Reference gives Love a 73.5% chance of making it to the Hall of Fame. Barring anything unforeseeable, Love has built the bulk of his resume up already. However, if he can add another ring or two to his collection, it would certainly help his case.
The Last Word On Love and the Miami Heat
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the 36-year-old is unlikely to play a more role with the Heat. Last season, he appeared in 55 games, starting just five of them. It is clear his best days are behind him. However, he signed a new contract this summer and plans on playing for a few more years. For now, it seems that Love will continue his playing career for a little while longer.
