Deep into the 2026 NBA offseason, it’s that time of the year when reading into every comment to connect it to rumors somehow feels necessary.
Kevin Love’s attempt at trolling the Toronto Raptors (he called the city LeBrontro) and their fans by using LeBron James’ name wasn’t a huge deal, but it’s worth noting that Love has been rumored as a possible pickup for the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.
The dots are being connected
Never mind the fact that Love and LeBron were once teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The veteran forward is expected to suit up for a season 19, and doing so with the Sixers doesn’t seem totally far-fetched.
Earlier in the offseason, NBA rumors suggested that Love’s camp has been in contact with the 76ers. Clearly, the veteran frontcourt star is interested in being one of the former LeBron teammates to join the squad, following in the footsteps of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
However, the Sixers don’t have the financial room to fill their final roster spot with a guaranteed salary unless they make a follow-up move. Waiving the partially-guaranteed contract from Jabari Walker is an option, but the Sixers have shown a clear interest in keeping the young reserve on board for the time being.
If Love wants to join the Sixers, he’ll have to wait until the winter. For the time being, the forward’s every comment will come under a microscope as his next destination is yet to be decided.
While there is a clear interest in joining the 76ers, Love isn’t trying to go all-in on that idea. He had a rumored interest in his former squad, the Minnesota Timberwolves. And while Love is clearly eyeing up teams that have a shot at making a title run, the Utah Jazz have still been jotted down as a possible landing spot for the veteran this offseason.
Should the Sixers keep tabs on Love?
There’s no such thing as having too many options. If the Sixers truly have interest in Love, then keeping tabs on him doesn’t hurt in any way.
However, the 76ers shouldn’t be eyeing Love as a potentially top-tier pickup. While the 38-year-old veteran brings plenty of experience to the table, it’s been quite some time since Love has been impactful in a postseason setting.
The last time Love participated in the playoffs was during the Miami Heat’s 2024 run. Love averaged 6.4 minutes in five games. During the prior postseason run, he saw the court for 18.0 minutes per game as a starter, producing 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He’s a long way from being the contributor he was when he played with LeBron James.
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