Earlier this offseason, Miami Heat big man Kevin Love signed a two-year, $8 million contract to remain with the team through the 2025-26 season. If Love plays through this contract, he will have played 18 years in the NBA. By any standard, this is an incredible feat. But the five-time All-Star is said to want more than that.
In an interview at Media Day earlier this week, Love spoke about his playing career. Love, who once reached his peak as an elite power forward, has returned to reality over the past few seasons. Most notably, Love hasn’t averaged double-digit points per game since the 2021-22 season as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Either way, Love doesn’t have retirement in mind just yet, as his new contract makes clear. Love also revealed his specific goal of playing 20 seasons in the league.
“I think we can sit back and not think about the next 12 months and give ourselves a little bit of runway for at least two years. Then let’s see what happens after that. “We’re hoping to get to that number within 20 years. I definitely love being here… It made a lot of sense for me to look for it and want to be here for at least two more years.”
If Love can accomplish this, he will be joining a relatively exclusive club. Currently, only 10 players in NBA history have reached 20 seasons, and only three have surpassed that mark. These players are Vince Carter, Robert Parrish, 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
Hall of Fame may be in Kevin Love’s future
Of the 10 aforementioned players, six are in the Hall of Fame (although James will become the seventh if he retires and becomes eligible). Additionally, at this stage in his career, Love has built a solid resume. In the NBA, he is a former champion, five-time All-Star selection, two-time All-NBA selection, one-time Most Valuable Player Award winner, and one-time rebounding leader. Additionally, he was the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2022. Additionally, outside of the NBA, Love is a one-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time FIBA World Cup champion.
Currently, Basketball Reference gives Love a 73.5% chance of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Unless something unforeseen happens, Love has already built up the bulk of his resume. But if he can add one or two more rings to his collection, it will definitely help his case.
Last words about love and the Miami Heat
It’s unlikely the 36-year-old will play any further role with the Heat heading into the 2024-25 season. Last season, he played in 55 games, starting just five of them. It’s clear that his best days are behind him. However, he plans to sign a new contract this summer and play for a few more years. For now, it looks like Love will continue his playing career for a little while longer.
