The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly exploring a reunion with franchise legend Kevin Love, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski. This comes as the team looks to add veteran leadership after a difficult 139-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026, part of a recent 1-4 stretch where they've lost their last two games.

Why are the Timberwolves interested in Kevin Love?

Jon Krawczynski reported that both Love and the Timberwolves are open to a reunion. He specifically highlighted the team's need for a veteran voice in the locker room. The Wolves lost key communicators like Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson, and Joe Ingles this offseason.

Love could fill that gap. He knows how to connect with coaches and players. Krawczynski called it a "phenomenal story" if Minnesota used a roster spot on Love. The veteran forward averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 games for the Utah Jazz last season.

What is Kevin Love's history with the Timberwolves?

Minnesota drafted Kevin Love fifth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft out of UCLA. He played 364 games for the Wolves from 2008 to 2014. During that time, he made three All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams.

He won the Most Improved Player award for the 2010-11 season. His stats were impressive. Love averaged 19.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in Minnesota. He recorded 256 double-doubles for the franchise.

Love still holds several Timberwolves records. He leads in rebounds per game, defensive rebounds per game, and offensive rebounds per game. His advanced stats like defensive rebound percentage and offensive box plus/minus are also franchise bests.

What happened after Love left Minnesota?

The Timberwolves traded Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2014. The deal sent Andrew Wiggins, the first overall pick that year, to Minnesota. In Cleveland, Love joined LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to form a dominant trio.

That Cavaliers team went to four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018. They won the championship in 2016, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. Love remained with Cleveland after James and Irving left, staying until a buyout in February 2023.

He then signed with the Miami Heat. After a couple of seasons, he was traded to the Utah Jazz last summer. Love is now an unrestricted free agent. His career averages are 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the regular season.

How would Love fit with the current Timberwolves roster?

Minnesota is built to win now. They acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets and signed Jonathan Kuminga this offseason. The expected starting lineup is Ball, Anthony Edwards, Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert.

Love would not be brought in to start. His role would be as a reserve and a leader. The team's recent form shows they need stability. You can track their progress on our [standings](/standings) page.

His playoff experience is significant. Love averages 12.6 points and 8.3 rebounds in postseason play. The Timberwolves have never reached the NBA Finals. Adding a champion like Love could help change that culture.

It's a neat potential story. Love could end his career where it started and chase one more Finals run. The Wolves' front office must decide if his voice is worth a roster spot. For now, it remains a strong possibility as free agency continues.