If you haven't checked a box score in a while, you might assume Kevin Love is off enjoying a vineyard in Oregon or finally relaxing after nearly two decades in the league. Honestly, it’s a fair guess. Most of his "Big Three" peers from that legendary 2016 Cleveland era are long gone. But if you’re wondering does Kevin Love still play basketball, the answer is a resounding yes. He isn’t just "in the league"—he’s actively logging minutes, grabbing double-digit boards, and currently suiting up for the Utah Jazz in 2026.
It’s been a wild ride. Most people lost track of him after he left Miami, where he’d become a sort of spiritual successor to Udonis Haslem. But the business of the NBA is a cold thing sometimes. In July 2025, Love was part of a massive three-team trade that sent him to Salt Lake City. He famously tweeted that he "never thought he'd be a math problem," referring to how his contract was moved basically to make the numbers work for a Norman Powell deal.
Life in Salt Lake: The 2025-26 Season
When he first landed in Utah, everyone—and I mean everyone—expected a buyout. The logic was simple: Why would a 37-year-old champion stay on a rebuilding Jazz team? We all waited for him to sign with a contender for a playoff push.
Except, it never happened.
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Love actually showed up to training camp. He liked the vibe. He liked the young core. More importantly, the Jazz realized they needed a guy who knew how to win. As of mid-January 2026, Love is averaging about 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He’s playing around 17 minutes a night.
He’s not the guy who put up 30 and 30 in Minnesota anymore. Obviously. But he’s still elite at the things that don't require a 40-inch vertical. His outlet passes? Still the best in the business. They look like quarterback strikes. His floor spacing? Defenses still can't leave him alone at the perimeter because he's hitting over 35% of his triples this season.
Why He’s Still Out There
You’ve gotta wonder what keeps a guy with $270 million in career earnings and a ring coming back for more. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Love talked about how sports science has changed the game. He mentioned he feels "actually very good" despite having 30 years of organized basketball on his knees.
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He’s lean. He’s careful with his recovery. He credits stuff like "Shift" (a wellness brand he’s involved with) and modern recovery modalities for why he, LeBron, and KD are still playing at ages that used to be mandatory retirement years.
There's also the mentorship angle. In Utah, he’s basically a player-coach. He’s been seen constantly in the ear of young guys like Kyle Filipowski and Walker Kessler. He’s paying it forward.
- Current Team: Utah Jazz (wearing #42)
- Role: Backup Center / Power Forward
- Contract Status: Final year of his deal ($4.15 million)
- Recent Stat Line: Grabbed 10 rebounds against Dallas on January 8th.
The Retirement Question
So, does Kevin Love still play basketball for the long haul? He’s been pretty open about taking it "year-by-year." He’s a free agent after this 2025-26 season. There’s a lot of chatter about him wanting a "storybook ending."
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He’s admitted that returning to Cleveland to finish his career where he won the title would be special. "Cleveland is a near and dear place to me," he told reporters back in November. Whether the Cavs front office wants to bring back the veteran for a final victory lap remains to be seen, but the door isn't closed.
What to Watch For Next
If you’re a fan, keep an eye on the February trade deadline. Even though he’s settled in Utah, contenders are always looking for a big man who can shoot and rebound in limited minutes. If he stays in Utah, expect him to continue being that steadying force for a young locker room.
If you want to keep tabs on his final chapters, here is how to track him:
- Check the Jazz schedule: He often sits out one half of back-to-back games for "rest" or "maintenance."
- Watch the box scores for rebounds: Even in short bursts, he can still rack up 10+ boards easily.
- Follow the trade rumors: February will decide if he finishes the year in Utah or chases one last ring elsewhere.
Kevin Love is the bridge between the old NBA and the new. He’s adapted from a post-up bruiser to a floor-spacing veteran. He’s still here, he’s still playing, and he’s still making those beautiful full-court passes.
Actionable Next Steps
To see Kevin Love in action during the 2025-26 season, you can track the Utah Jazz's upcoming games through the NBA app or official team site. If you are specifically looking for his veteran insights, his appearances on "The Old Man and the Three" podcast offer the best look into how he views his current role in the league. Keep a close eye on the NBA trade wire through the first week of February, as this will determine if he moves to a playoff contender before his contract expires this summer.