Kevin Love #42 of the Miami Heat
The Boston Celtics are entering the 2024-25 NBA season fresh off their championship win, and while their roster is already stacked, there’s always room for improvement. One name that has surfaced as a potential trade target for the Celtics is Miami Heat big man Kevin Love. According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Celtics may not have any glaring needs, but Love could be an intriguing addition.
Love, known for his championship experience and ability to space the floor, could fit well into Boston’s three-point-heavy offense, especially as a veteran presence toward the end of the bench. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for the first couple of months as he recovers from foot surgery, the Celtics could use some depth in the frontcourt. Love’s ability to stretch defenses with his shooting could help fill that void.
“If the Miami Heat get off to a slow start and move Jimmy Butler (who didn’t sign an extension this summer), they may start unloading other veterans as well,” Bailey wrote. “Kevin Love is a floor-spacer with championship experience who’d fit Boston’s culture and three-point-heavy offense.”
While Love’s defensive shortcomings are well known, his offensive skill set—particularly his rebounding and shooting—could provide value in limited minutes. Last season, in 55 games with the Heat, Love averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in just 16.8 minutes per game, shooting 44 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Though Love isn’t the long-range sniper he once was, his ability to space the floor still commands respect from defenses. In Boston’s offense, which thrives on ball movement and finding open threes, a player like Love could find himself in a comfortable role, contributing in key moments.
Of course, whether the Celtics will actually pursue a trade for Love remains to be seen, but as the season progresses, his name could be one to watch. With Boston already boasting a deep and talented roster, adding a player like Love could give them another weapon as they aim for back-to-back championships.
