Kevin Love is sticking around in South Beach.
The veteran forward has signed a two-year, $8 million deal to remain with the Miami Heat, the Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Sunday.
The five-time all-star declined his $4 million player option on Saturday, opting to instead sign a longer-term deal with the team.
Love, 35, was a steady veteran presence for the Heat last season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while hitting 34.4 per cent of his 3-pointers.
The 2016 NBA champion was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023 and joined the Heat soon after. Since then, he has appeared in 76 regular games for Miami, making 22 starts. He was a key member of their 2023 Finals run, starting 18 games for them.
After much speculation and anticipation, Kevin Love has officially signed a two-year, $8 million deal to return to the Miami Heat. The veteran power forward had been a free agent since the end of last season, but ultimately decided to rejoin the team that he helped lead to a championship just a few years ago.
Love’s decision to return to the Heat comes as no surprise to many fans and analysts, as he had previously expressed his desire to continue playing for the organization. The 33-year-old has been a key contributor for the Heat since joining the team in 2019, providing valuable experience and leadership both on and off the court.
With Love back in the fold, the Heat are hoping to build on their success from last season and make another deep playoff run. Love’s ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and his knack for rebounding will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward.
In addition to his on-court contributions, Love’s presence in the locker room will also be invaluable for the Heat. His leadership and veteran experience will help guide the team’s younger players and provide a steady hand during the ups and downs of the long NBA season.
Overall, Kevin Love’s decision to return to the Miami Heat is a win-win for both parties. The Heat get a proven veteran who can help them compete at a high level, while Love gets to continue playing for a team that he has grown to love. Fans of the Heat can look forward to seeing Love back in action next season as the team looks to make another championship push.