Kevin Love's Agent Has Contacted Sixers Front Office

Kevin Love's possible path to Philadelphia is real enough to have reached the front office, but not automatic.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Love's agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in touch with the 76ers since LeBron James picked Philadelphia. Love and James remain close from their Cleveland years, and the 38-year-old big man has interest in joining James for another title chase.

The roster math is the problem. Philadelphia is already at capacity after using its final spot on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, another former James teammate. The Sixers also have Joel Embiid backed by Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti, so adding Love would require a move rather than a clean minimum signing.

There is also a tax/apron angle around timing. A veteran minimum deal now could push Philadelphia into a tighter cap position, while waiting until later in the season may make the prorated number easier to fit.

Love still gave Utah useful bench minutes last season, averaging 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.3 percent from three. He has also maintained a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy, according to ESPN, so this is not framed as a straight exit from Utah.

The story is more possibility than transaction. Philadelphia has the LeBron connection, but it needs a roster opening and a cap path before Love can become more than a familiar name on the board.