Three NBA franchises — the Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Clippers — executed a notable three-team trade on Monday, shaking up their rosters as they look to retool ahead of the 2025-26 season. All three teams entered the offseason seeking upgrades, and Miami made one of the more surprising moves by including veteran forward Kevin Love in the deal, sending him to Utah.
In the trade, the Heat received Norman Powell from the Clippers, adding offensive depth to support Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. As part of the package, Miami sent Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson to the Jazz, while Los Angeles shipped a 2027 second-round pick to Utah. The Clippers’ decision to part with Powell frees up salary space while adding flexibility to their rotation.
Love, a five-time All-Star and former NBA champion, took the move in stride. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 36-year-old jokingly acknowledged the business side of the league. “Never thought I’d be a math problem,” Love wrote. “Welcome to the NBA.” The veteran big man appears aware that his inclusion in the deal was more about cap logistics than basketball fit.
While the Jazz were willing to take on Love’s expiring $4.15 million contract, there’s little indication they view him as a long-term piece. Utah’s front office has not confirmed whether Love will stay on the roster, but multiple reports suggest he could be waived in the coming days. That would allow the veteran to become a free agent and pursue a new opportunity with a contender.
Kevin Love’s best years are clearly behind him, but he remains one of the most respected veterans in the league. He hasn’t averaged more than nine points per game since the 2022–23 season and hasn’t made an All-Star appearance since 2018 when he was still a key contributor for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In limited action last season with the Heat, Love averaged just 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game. Despite his diminished role, he served as a valuable locker room presence and stretch big, especially during Miami’s postseason push. Whether another team takes a flier on the aging forward remains to be seen.
For now, the Heat look to build around their current core with Powell expected to take on a key role alongside Herro and Adebayo. The Jazz continue to stockpile assets and maintain financial flexibility, while the Clippers appear focused on reshaping their depth as they prepare for what could be a make-or-break season.