We may still have a good few years left of The Love Train.
Miami Heat big man Kevin Love spoke with reporters this week at training camp. During the session, Love, who returned to Miami this off-season on a new two-year deal, revealed that he would like to get to 20 career seasons played.
“I think settling and not looking at the next 12 months, I have a little bit of a runway for at least two years,” said Love, per Sports Illustrated's Ben Stinar. “Then we’ll see after that. Would love to get to that round number in 20."
The veteran big man then spoke on his comfort with the Heat organization.
“[I] certainly love being here [in Miami],” Love added. “It just made a lot of sense on my end to look for that and want to be here at least for two more years.”
Now 36 years old, the five-time All-Star is entering his 17th year in the NBA. Playing for 20 years would take him through 2028, at which point he would be 40.
Love certainly has the play style to stick around for that long. He has been less about quickness and athleticism over his career and more about jump-shooting and high-IQ play. Love also remained productive for the Heat last season, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in under 17 minutes per game.
On top of that, Love is a very well-respected veteran on the Heat and has righted the ship ever since an injury-riddled stretch several years ago gave rise to retirement rumors. With a new multi-year contract now in the bag, Love should still have plenty left to offer in the NBA.
