Miami Heat Predicted to Sign 5-Time NBA All-Star Kevin Love

The Miami Heat are expected to bring back a familiar face in free agency this offseason, according to a recent prediction that points to veteran forward Kevin Love as a likely addition for the coming year. Love, a five-time All-Star, remains available as an unrestricted free agent after wrapping up his time with the Utah Jazz. At 37, the forward appeared in 37 games last season and connected on 37.3 percent of his three-point attempts.

Why it Matters for Miami Heat

Team president Pat Riley continues to search for ways to improve the Heat's perimeter shooting while constructing a roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Adding reliable floor-spacing options ranks high on the priority list after recent seasons highlighted the need for more consistent outside threats. Analysts Tom Dierberger and Liam McKeone of Sports Illustrated recently ranked Love among the top remaining free agents and projected a return to Miami as his most probable destination.

What Comes Next?

"Dierberger and McKeone wrote, "His complete willingness to embrace being an end-of-bench locker room voice in Utah means he can still offer something of value to interested teams. Chemistry is a key component of professional sports." They continued with a clear forecast for the veteran. "Prediction: Love signs with the Heat for the veteran minimum."

Such a move would give coach Erik Spoelstra another experienced presence on the bench. Love is not expected to handle a heavy minutes load, yet he could contribute rebounding on the defensive glass and stretch defenses when he enters the game. Building a supporting cast around Antetokounmpo has repeatedly shown the value of surrounding the star with players who can knock down open looks. Love's history of creating space fits that blueprint, even if his role remains limited.

Another Option on the Table

While Love represents a practical option, the Heat have shown stronger interest in another sharpshooter. Reports indicate the organization remains eager to land Klay Thompson, who is under contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein discussed the situation during a recent appearance on the DLLS Mavs podcast and outlined Miami's stance. "Really, all we know is Miami is desperate for Klay Thompson," Stein said. "But they want to sign him as a free agent."

That path would require Thompson to first negotiate a buyout with Dallas. Stein noted the Mavericks have held firm on a different preference so far. "To this point, the Mavs' position has not changed," Stein said. "They would prefer to trade him rather than buy him out." As a result, any reunion or new partnership with Thompson could stretch into the trade deadline period if a buyout does not materialize. Thompson, who turns 36 this year, still ranks among the league's more dangerous long-range threats. Last season he averaged 7.6 three-point attempts per game and converted them at a 38.3 percent clip despite some decline in athleticism. The four-time champion with the Golden State Warriors brings proven winning experience that could complement Antetokounmpo's skill set. Thompson's ability to fire quickly off the catch would benefit the Heat's offense, which has struggled to find consistent outside shooting this season. Recent form: 4W-0D-1L (WWWWL, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run. Last result: Miami Heat 143-117 Atlanta Hawks (2026-04-12).