Miami Heat's Kevin Love Wants To Play 20 Seasons

Kevin Love would join a select group if he plays into his 40s

Miami Heat’s power forward Kevin Love plans to extend his NBA career long as possible.

Love said he wants to match the likes of LeBron James, Udonis Haslem and Vince Carter of playing 20 seasons. 

“I don’t know if I’ll make it to 20 [seasons], but I’ve always had my eyes on that,” Love said in an interview with The Ringer earlier this week. “I’d like to play as long as the wheels aren’t falling off. My body feels really good right now.”

Love, 34, would need to play until he turns 40 to accomplish the feat. This is his 15th season since being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2008. He spent six seasons with the Timberwolves before joining LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The Heat acquired Love during the buyout season in February to help bolster the frontcourt. Love has dealt with multiple injuries since turning, so health could be an issue. He missed 60 games during the 2018-19 season. 

Love is averaging 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 21 games in Miami this season. He could take some longevity pointers from Haslem, who is retiring at 42. Haslem scored 24 points against the Orlando Magic in his final regular season game. 

Carter played until retiring at 43 after 22 seasons. James is still going strong in Year No. 20 so he will likely to make it to his 40s. Only 28 NBA players have made it to the age of 40. 

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Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE