Kevin Love explains decision to re-sign with the Heat

Former UCLA Bruins star and longtime NBA veteran Kevin Love is entering his 17th season in the NBA. After becoming a free agent in the offseason, the market wasn’t that big for the soon-to-be 36-year-old, so the decision for Love to return to South Beach was a no-brainer.

Love eventually signed a two-year, $8 million contract to stay in Miami.

While Love’s style of play has evolved since his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers, his leadership and championship mindset have remained steadfast, and his presence on the team is a testament to the Heat’s commitment to excellence.

The Heat and Love seem to be a good fit. After agreeing to a deal, five-time All-Star and one-time champion Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel explained why returning to Miami was the right decision.

“I’m still very young at heart,” Love said. “My gray hair and the rigors of 16 years may speak against it, but I definitely feel like I can connect the guys across the team, even the coaching staff.”

Love played a limited role in 55 games last season, 16.8 minutes per game. He also averaged 8.8 points per game, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 44 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from the three-point line.

The former UCLA star player has built a great relationship with management and said management was instrumental in his re-commitment to Miami.

“With any free agent,” Love said, “you always have the opportunity to look around the league and see opportunities. But in my opinion, over the last year and a half, you’ve felt at home in terms of the way the team operates, who Spo is, who Coach Riley is, who Andy is. So at the end of the day, I didn’t feel like there was any doubt.”

Love’s role may be limited, but his impact on the team will always be felt.

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