The New York Knicks still have a few chess pieces left on the board as they navigate the second half of the offseason. With at least one roster spot available and a need for steady veteran presence, they may want to look toward a player who’s done it all — even if his best on-court days are behind him.
Jeremy Brener of Sports Illustrated has urged the Knicks to sign five-time All-Star Kevin Love, noting that the Miami Heat valued Love for his commitment to their culture, which is viewed as one of the strongest in the league. A high-character guy at the end of the bench could be what the Knicks are looking for.
New York Could Use a Locker Room Stabilizer
GettyKevin Love looks on during a game between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Love, a five-time All-Star and NBA champion, could soon hit the open market. After being traded from the Heat to the Utah Jazz in a deal that helped Miami land Norman Powell, Love is widely expected to reach a buyout agreement in the coming months.
He played just 23 games this past season, averaging a career-low 5.3 points per game. But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Love has long been praised for his leadership, basketball IQ, and selfless approach to the game — traits that could be invaluable to a Knicks team looking to make a leap in the East.
Love Would Fit the Knicks’ Culture Playbook
The Knicks aren’t necessarily looking for another rotation piece. After ranking dead last in bench production last season, the front office has already added Jordan Clarkson — but there’s still room to round things out. What they need now is culture, mentorship, and locker room balance — all things Kevin Love has delivered throughout his career.
He won’t crack Mike Brown’s rotation often. At 37, Love wouldn’t be coming in to chase touches. He’d be coming in to contribute in the margins. The huddle. The practice floor. The big moments when experience matters.
A veteran like Love could be the kind of late-offseason move that pays off quietly. But significantly. If and when he reaches a buyout with Utah, New York should perhaps contemplate placing a call.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Knicks Urged to Sign 5-Time All-Star After Expected Buyout appeared first on Heavy Sports.