One NBA writer believes Miami Heat forward Kevin Love would be a good fit for the Atlanta Hawks.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report named Love as the Hawks’ most ambitious free-agent target.
“Kevin Love, a rare buyout player to make a major impact on his new team, is frequently starting for the indefatigable Miami Heat in the 2023 playoffs,” Hughes wrote. “Due to turning 35 in September, Love is limited defensively but has managed to stay on the floor year after year on the strength of his offensive game. A career 37.0 percent shooter from distance and still a brilliant passer and defensive rebounder, Love could give Atlanta everything it needs in a 20-minute-per-game reserve, pairing perfectly with either Clint Capela or Okongwu up front.
“Assuming Atlanta finally moves John Collins, there should be plenty of minutes available.”
Love played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Heat this season. The one-time champion averaged 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 62 games while shooting 38.9% from the field, 33.4% from beyond the arc and 87.9% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Love, Miami Heat & Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Hawks need more shooters around All-Star point guard Trae Young and Love fits that bill. The UCLA product is a career 37.0% shooter on 3-pointers. Atlanta lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games, so the front office needs to make some changes to the roster this summer.
Love isn’t the star he was when he was on the Minnesota Timberwolves and when he first got to the Cavaliers, but he’s a terrific veteran for a locker room and a player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Love, Miami Heat & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Love is playing in his fifth NBA Finals with the Heat against the Denver Nuggets. It appears likely that Miami will end up falling short against Nikola Jokic’s squad as they enter Monday’s Game 5 facing a 3-1 series deficit.
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