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Sep 8, 2025 2:13 PM EDT
It was another disappointing season last year for the Utah Jazz as they finished with a 17-65 record, which was the worst in the NBA.
For the Jazz, they have failed to make the playoffs since the 2021-22 season as they continue to go through a rebuild.
Of course, Utah has put together a solid young core led by Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, but they are still expected to be a bottom feeder in the Western Conference this season.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen brings the ball upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center on March 27, 2024.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen — Source: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Utah could also elect to make multiple moves ahead of the trade deadline as they have had multiple players in trade rumors, including Markkanen.
While the Jazz could make moves ahead of the deadline, they are expected to make a key one before the start of the 2025-26 season regarding a former champion from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jazz Expected to Buy Out Kevin Love
According to Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico, the Jazz are expected to buy out Kevin Love before the end of September.
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This is a major report by Amico and one that is not a complete surprise as Utah has been expected to buy out Love before the start of the regular season if they are unable to find a trade suitor for him.
For Love, he was traded to the Jazz earlier this offseason by the Miami Heat in a three-team trade that saw Utah send John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers while the Heat acquired Norman Powell from the Clippers.
Dereck Lively II
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2), Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) and Miami Heat guard Alec Burks (18) — Source: © Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
After landing in Utah, the 37-year-old forward has been in rumors as he was expected to be bought out by the Jazz before the start of the new season and with Amico’s report, it appears as though he will hit free agency soon.
Of course, Love is no longer the All-Star caliber player that he was earlier in his career but he would still be a solid addition to a contending team’s roster and he is still a solid option off the bench.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) — Source: © Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Last season, the former champion averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 35.7% from the field and 35.8% from three over 23 games with the Heat.
With Love now expected to hit free agency ahead of the start of the regular season, there should be many teams to show interest in him as a key veteran off the bench and in the locker room.
About the Author
Nathaniel Holloway