The Philadelphia 76ers keep making moves. A few days after pulling off a monster trade for Jaylen Brown, they’ve added another guard on a two-way deal. Caleb Love is headed to Philly.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on X. Love, 24, spent his rookie year with the Portland Trail Blazers after going undrafted. He played in 49 games, started one, and averaged 10.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in about 21 minutes a night. The shooting numbers weren’t great — 38.8 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from deep — but he showed flashes of being a legit scorer off the bench.
Love’s addition is part of a deeper roster reshuffle. Earlier this week, Philly sent Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks to Boston for Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP. That trade was the headliner. This signing is more of a development play.
What Love brings to a revamped 76ers squad
Love isn’t going to walk into a starting role. But on a two-way contract, he gives the 76ers a young guard they can stash in the G League or plug into the rotation when injuries hit. He can create his own shot, which is something Philly’s bench has lacked. The question is consistency. Love shot under 32 percent from three as a rookie, and his defense needs work.
That said, he’s got upside. At North Carolina, he was a bucket-getter in big moments — think the 2022 Final Four run. If he can tighten his shot selection and adjust to NBA pace, he could carve out a real role. The 76ers clearly see something worth investing in.
Philadelphia has been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. Brown is the new centerpiece. Joel Embiid is still there, assuming his health holds up. Love is more of a depth lottery ticket, but those matter in April and May.
The front office isn’t done yet. With free agency still open, expect more small moves like this one. The Brown trade was the earthquake. Signings like Love’s are the aftershocks. And sometimes those turn into something bigger.
Leave a Comment