Could the Celtics Acquire Kevin Love?

October 25, 2024

Eleazar Gonzales breaks down how the Celtics could acquire Kevin Love and what those implications could mean for fantasy basketball for the 2024-25 NBA season.

As it is, the Boston Celtics have one of the best starting line-ups in the NBA this year. Imagine having to start against Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White.

The Celtics' bench, however, presents a bigger problem for Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. How big of a problem? In the Celtics' opening night win against the New York Knicks, Sam Hauser led Boston's bench with ten points, while three others combined for nine points.

If the Celtics play against deeper teams, they need every point they can get from every player off the bench. An NBA veteran with an NBA championship already on his resume could be the spark off the bench the Celtics need.

All They Need is Love

Kevin Love has been playing for the Miami Heat since joining the team in February 2023. Since then, he played 76 games for the Heat. Last season, he averaged 8.8 points on 44% field goal shooting -- including 34.4% from the three-point line.

And to think Miami was fortunate enough to originally acquire Kevin Love through the buyout market. From a team that could've used his leadership, playoff experience & overall skill set on the court last season. The Miami organization does it again! 🔥 https://t.co/qfInxDM1E7 pic.twitter.com/f5w62L0oKo

— Heat Lead 🔥 (@HeatLead) January 16, 2024

While Love's numbers aren't as high as they used to be during his prime years, he could still be a serviceable big man for the Celtics behind injury-prone Porzingis and 38-year-old Al Horford.

How Can It Be Done?

Getting Love from Miami is a massive undertaking for Boston. On one side, it means you're getting a serviceable big man with a cheap price tag. On the other hand, who the Celtics could offer in exchange for the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft?

Gotta show Kevin some Love!

Came in the game & casually knocked in a pair of triples 👌 pic.twitter.com/NaMgr1hBZq

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 17, 2024

Here's an idea for both teams. The Celtics could send Jaden Springer, and Xavier Tillman Sr., along with a draft pick for 2026. In return, Miami would send Love along with Josh Richardson. Richardson averaged 9.9 points per game last season for the Heat and could provide additional firepower off the bench for the Celtics.

That is if both teams pull the trigger after December 15, 2024, when the NBA trade restriction on Kevin Love is lifted.