Kevin Love is interested in reuniting with LeBron James in Philadelphia. Finding room for him may prove more complicated.
Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has contacted the Philadelphia 76ers’ front office since James chose the franchise in free agency, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported. Love and James remain close after spending four seasons together with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including their 2016 championship run.
The former teammates also vacationed together extensively this summer. Their relationship, however, does not guarantee Love a place on Philadelphia’s championship-or-bust roster.
Getty Nerea Marti of Spain and Team AlUla championed by LeBron James, Basketball Player and Team AlUla Co-Owner, LeBron James, Rusty Wyatt of Canada and Team AlUla championed by LeBron James and Basketball Player Kevin Love pose for a photo during the E1 Series Dubrovnik GP on June 13, 2026 in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The 76ers reached the 15-player limit after signing another former James teammate, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, to their final standard contract. Philadelphia would have to trade or waive another player before it could accommodate Love.
Kevin Love Offers a Different Skill Set
Love, who turns 38 in September, averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 37 appearances for the Utah Jazz last season. He shot 37.3% from 3-point range while playing slightly more than 16 minutes per game.
Those numbers no longer resemble the production that made Love a five-time All-Star. They still illustrate what could make him useful to Philadelphia.
The 76ers have two young centers behind Joel Embiid. Adem Bona, 23, offers energy, athleticism and rim protection. Ariel Hukporti, 24, provides physical rebounding and interior defense. Neither creates the same offensive possibilities as Love.
GettyKevin Love and LeBron James won a championship together while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Love wants to reunite with James in Philadelphia.
Love’s shooting could pull an opposing center away from the rim, opening driving lanes for James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. His outlet passing would also complement a roster capable of producing easy baskets in transition.
Philadelphia’s need for dependable center depth is heightened by Embiid’s injury history. Love would not be expected to replace the former MVP during an extended absence, but his ability to space the floor would give coach Nick Nurse another way to structure the frontcourt.
The concern is defensive mobility. Love would have to be protected in certain matchups, particularly against quicker lineups targeting him in pick-and-roll actions.
Another Reunion Would Require Another 76ers Roster Move
Philadelphia already made two moves to create openings for James and Caldwell-Pope.
The 76ers waived Dalen Terry before trading Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations. The Broome trade also helped Philadelphia remain below both salary cap aprons.
Creating a third roster opening would require the front office to determine that Love’s shooting, rebounding and championship experience offer more immediate value than one of the players already under contract.
Love is not necessarily committed to leaving Utah, either. McMenamin reported that he has maintained a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy and served as a respected veteran voice for the franchise’s young roster. Utah also has no open roster spot.
Still, Love’s interest is understandable. Philadelphia has assembled one of the NBA’s most talented groups around James, Embiid, Brown and Maxey. Love understands what playing beside James requires, from sacrificing touches to navigating the pressure of a Finals run.
The Sixers have already reshaped their roster to accommodate James and one of his former championship teammates.
Adding another would demand one more sacrifice.
76ers Draw Interest From 5-Time All-Star After LeBron James Signing