The Miami Heat always seem to defy the odds every season. Even when fans and analysts count them out, they surprise people with their grit and quality play. Part of the reason for this is team construction. The Heat have done well in grabbing quality players, even ones that are considered past their prime. One of those players is five-time All-Star and NBA champion Kevin Love. He declined his player option and is now set to become a free agent.

Miami Heat Star Kevin Love Declines Player Option

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Kevin Love declined his player option with the Miami Heat. However, this does not mean he will be on a different team. The report indicates he hopes to stay with the Heat, and both sides are “enthusiastic” that a deal gets done. Love joined the Heat in the middle of the 2023 season when the Cleveland Cavaliers bought him out. The Heat were happy to bring on a veteran with a championship pedigree.

Kevin Love is one of the key bench pieces for the Miami Heat. While he is no longer putting up the huge numbers of his youth, he still contributes to winning. In 55 games last season, he averaged 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Next season will be his 17th, having made stops in Minnesota and Cleveland previously.

A New Look Heat Next Season?

While it seems like Kevin Love will be back for the Miami Heat, there are questions about whether this team could undergo a makeover in the offseason. Bam Adebayo got a big extension, but Jimmy Butler is the big question mark. Reports indicate he wants a new deal, but he is in his mid-30s and is starting to get a long injury history. There is no denying the impact he has had on the team especially during their Finals run last year, but good teams like the Heat know when to move on and retool.

If the team does decide to move off of Butler, they will likely try to land another superstar. Pat Riley has been able to make this team into a contender over the past two decades, and Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league. He can do more with less. The Miami Heat also have the advantage of being in the Eastern Conference. Outside of Boston, every team has major question marks, so it isn’t impossible to see an unexpected team make a run. Could the Heat be that team in 2024-25?