Caleb Love didn't hear his name called in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the former Tar Heel sure made the most of his opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
Signing a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, Love grabbed the opportunity by the horns. He appeared in 49 games during the 2025-2026 season, averaging 10.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Not only did Love produce when his number was called, but there were plenty of instances where he played like a star. He posted eight 20+ point performances, including a 26-point outburst in a nail-biting victory over the Golden State Warriors on November 21, showcasing how he can score the basketball at will when he gets going offensively.
Duke fans know that all too well. If you know, you know!
After a strong rookie season, you probably expected Portland to work out a way to keep Love in the fold. However, the franchise made a major trade to acquire Ja Morant and has a logjam currently in its backcourt, leaving Love on the outside looking in as he looks to secure a bigger role this upcoming season.
Don't worry, though, Love found another opportunity and is now set to join an Eastern Conference squad who has NBA title aspirations.
Caleb Love signs a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers
Shams Charania of ESPN broke the news on Friday that Love has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is joining an organization that just acquired former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown and is aiming to make a title run this season.
Free agent guard Caleb Love has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6u3rnDG8Uy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026
While Love was likely vying for a standard NBA contract, the opportunity to take another two-way deal would still allow him to pursue his dream while betting on himself. When it comes to these types of deals, the fit is absolutely vital, as you want to join an organization that can help you continue developing your game while providing an opportunity for you to see minutes with the big league club.
It appears that Philadelphia was the better offer on the table for Love, who likely drew interest from a handful of NBA teams in need of an explosive guard who is just scratching the surface of how good he could be.
Every former UNC basketball player competing in the 2026 NBA Summer League
The good part about the two-way contract is that it gives a player flexibility to continue playing and earning in-game experience. While the goal is to stick with the NBA team for as long as you can, the contract allows a player the chance to compete at the G League when playing time isn't available with the main team.
Of course, if he plays well, Love could definitely force his hand to receive a standard NBA contract at some point this season, paving the way for him to take that next step toward being a full-time player on the sport's biggest stage.
If we learned anything about Love during his time at North Carolina, it's that he is a competitor and isn't afraid of the big moment. Now competing for a win-now team, you could expect that Love will be amped up for the opportunity, being ready to knock down more big-time shots during this next venture of his professional basketball career.
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