Kevin Love’s Response to Unexpected Miami Heat Trade Turns Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After a challenging 2024-25 campaign that saw Kevin Love suit up for just 23 games with the Miami Heat, the veteran forward’s tenure in South Beach officially came to an end on Monday.
In a three‑team deal involving the Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz, Love and swingman Kyle Anderson were sent to Utah, while Norman Powell landed in Miami and John Collins moved to Los Angeles.
Utah also received the Clippers’ 2027 second‑round pick as part of the transaction.
Shortly after the trade was confirmed, Love broke his silence on Instagram.
He posted a clip from the 2001 comedy “Joe Dirt” showing a character bemoaning his unpopularity, “That’s right, Dirt, nobody wants you in this town. Nobody wants you around period,” and simply captioned it, “Traded.”
Fans online were quick to react to the post.
“Heat fans are gonna miss ya! 🔥” said one user.
“One last ride for klove Instagram legendary run,” another commenter responded.
“We will miss you! Especially your humor. Great player to have had on our team,” said one other user.
“You will be so missed! Thank you! 🙏🏼,” responded another user.
“Come home to Cleveland!” another fan replied.
“Cleveland #0 is waiting for you, Kev,” commented another fan.
A five‑time NBA All‑Star and two‑time All‑NBA Second Team selection, Love captured an NBA championship in 2016 alongside LeBron James in Cleveland.
Over his 17‑year career, Love has averaged 16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 36.9% from 3-point range on 4.8 attempts per night.
The deal, pending league approval, closes the book on Love’s second chapter in Miami and opens a new one in Utah, or a more immediate contender.
Rumors have already circulated about Love being bought out by the Jazz to become an unrestricted free agent.
If that becomes the case, this could set up a potential return to Cleveland, already deemed 2025-26 favorites out of the Eastern Conference, or a move to the Los Angeles Lakers, to team up with James once more.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.