Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in a reunion for the 2026-27 NBA season. The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski reports mutual interest exists, with the Wolves holding an open roster spot that could fit the veteran big man. This news comes as the team looks to rebound from recent struggles, including a 109-139 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026, and a 1-4 record in their last five games.
What is the reported interest between Kevin Love and the Timberwolves?
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic stated there is a shared openness to a potential return. "From what I understand, Kevin Love is open to coming back to Minnesota." Krawczynski said. The Timberwolves currently have 14 players under contract, leaving that 15th spot available. Teams often keep a spot open for financial flexibility, but Krawczynski noted the Wolves could use another veteran presence who can play and communicate effectively in the locker room. Love, who spent his first six NBA seasons in Minnesota, fits that description perfectly.
He would provide depth at power forward and center behind starter Jonathan Kuminga. Love's perimeter shooting and rebounding could help a frontcourt that saw changes last season. His experience as an NBA champion with the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers would also be valuable for a young core led by Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. You can view the current team roster on our [squad](/squad) page.
Why is Kevin Love considered a Timberwolves legend?
Kevin Love established himself as a premier power forward in Minnesota after being acquired on draft night in 2008. He is viewed as a revolutionary player for popularizing the floor-spacing big man archetype with his shooting. His Timberwolves tenure was decorated with individual honors: three All-Star selections (2011, 2012, 2014), the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2011, and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2012.
He put up historic numbers. Love recorded a legendary 31-point, 31-rebound game against the New York Knicks in 2010. He led the entire NBA in rebounding during the 2010-11 season. His peak scoring year came in 2013-14, where he averaged a career-high 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Despite his personal success, the team never made the playoffs during his time in Minnesota, a fact that often overshadowed his brilliant individual play.
What is the current context for the Timberwolves?
The Timberwolves are in a different competitive position now. They have emerged as a Western Conference contender after significant roster construction. The team traded away top power forwards Julius Randle and Naz Reid last season. Their recent form, however, has been challenging. They lost their last two games and have a 1-4 record over their previous five, a streak you can track in our [standings](/standings).
Their most recent result was a heavy 109-139 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026. Adding a player like Love is seen as a way to bolster the rotation and add stability. For his part, Love remains an effective role player. In the 2025-26 season with the Utah Jazz, he averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in just 16.6 minutes per game. He shot 37.3% from three-point range, maintaining his threat as a shooting big man. A return to Minnesota would be a full-circle moment for the 37-year-old, offering the veteran savvy the current Wolves roster might need for a deeper playoff push.






