The New York Knicks are exploring the free agent market for frontcourt help, with five-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love emerging as a potential target. This comes as the defending champions maintain strong form, having just secured a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14 to extend their current winning run to two games.
The Knicks lost center Mitchell Robinson in free agency this offseason. While they signed veteran Andre Drummond, the team could still use another experienced big man. Kevin Love, 38, is an unrestricted free agent after playing the 2025-26 season with the Utah Jazz. His specific skill set offers something different from Drummond.
Love averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for Utah last season. He shot 37 percent from three-point range. At this stage of his career, his value lies in rebounding, passing, and most of all, his ability to space the floor with his shooting.
Adding Love would give the Knicks a second big man who can reliably shoot from the perimeter. Karl-Anthony Towns already provides elite shooting from the center position. Love's presence would force opposing centers to defend away from the paint, opening driving lanes for Jalen Brunson and others.
His championship experience is another big factor. Love won a title with Cleveland in 2016. For a Knicks team aiming to repeat, having another veteran voice in the locker room who has been through playoff battles could be helpful. Coach Tom Brown might appreciate that added leadership.
The Knicks are in a strong position as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. Their recent results show a team hitting its stride. Over their last five games, they have a record of four wins and one loss (WWLWW). This includes a tight 107-106 win over the Spurs on June 11 and a 105-104 victory on June 6.
They also closed out their previous playoff series with authority, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 back on May 26. The team's core is intact and playing well.
It is not yet clear if the Knicks will formally pursue Kevin Love. The front office will weigh his potential contribution against other available options and their salary cap situation. Love's rebounding and floor-spacing are clear assets, but his defensive limitations are also a known factor.
The team's primary need appears to be frontcourt depth behind Towns and Drummond. Love represents a specific type of player who could fill a niche role. Whether the Knicks decide to add him or look elsewhere will be one of the quieter storylines of their offseason. The season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20 is now firmly on the horizon.
