Caleb Love went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the former Tar Heel quickly turned that setback into an opportunity as a free agent.
After signing a two-way contract with Portland, Love made the most of his chance. He appeared in 49 games during the 2025–26 season, posting averages of 10.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds while steadily proving he could contribute at the NBA level.
His production didn’t stop at solid averages. Love flashed star potential on multiple occasions, recording eight games with 20 or more points. His best showing came on November 21, when he poured in 26 points during a thrilling win over Golden State, a performance that highlighted his ability to score in bunches when he finds his rhythm. That kind of outburst is something college fans remember all too well.
Following a strong rookie campaign, it seemed logical that Portland would look for a way to keep him around. However, a major move to acquire Ja Morant created a crowded backcourt, leaving Love with limited opportunities to secure a larger role moving forward.
That didn’t keep him sidelined for long. Love quickly found a new opportunity, this time with a team firmly in win-now mode.
Love has agreed to a two-way contract with Philadelphia, giving him another chance to prove himself on a roster built to compete for a championship. The organization recently added Jaylen Brown and is positioning itself as a serious title contender.
While Love may have been aiming for a standard NBA contract, accepting another two-way deal still allows him to bet on himself. Fit matters greatly in these situations, and Philadelphia offers a strong environment for development along with a legitimate path to earning minutes if he performs.
The two-way contract also provides flexibility, allowing Love to gain valuable game experience while staying ready for NBA opportunities. If he continues producing at a high level, he could play his way into a full-time roster spot later in the season.
One thing is certain: Love has never shied away from big moments. Now with a contender, he’ll be motivated to seize this opportunity, knock down key shots, and take another step toward establishing himself on the NBA’s biggest stage.