Salt Lake City, Sept. 30, 2025 — The Utah Jazz largely bypassed this summer’s free-agent market, opting instead for low-cost signings, draft investments and several veteran swaps that trimmed payroll and opened minutes for younger players.
Free-Agent Activity
The club added three players on non-guaranteed minimum deals: center Mo Bamba, forward Steven Crowl and guard Matthew Murrell. All three contracts are Exhibit 10 agreements and can be converted or waived without cap penalties.
Trade Summary
Utah completed four trades:
- Acquired the rights to No. 18 pick Walter Clayton from Washington for the rights to No. 21 pick Will Riley, the No. 43 pick, the more favorable of Miami’s or Indiana’s 2031 second-rounder, and Utah’s 2032 second-rounder.
- Sent guard Collin Sexton and the more favorable of Utah’s or the Clippers’ 2030 second-round pick to Charlotte for center Jusuf Nurkic.
- Moved forward John Collins to the Clippers in a three-team deal, receiving forwards Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love, the Clippers’ 2027 second-rounder and $2.5 million in cash.
- Brought back forward Georges Niang plus 2027 and 2031 conditional second-rounders from Boston for two-way player RJ Luis.
Draft Class
- No. 5: Ace Bailey, F — signed to a four-year, $41.2 million rookie-scale contract.
- No. 18: Walter Clayton, G — signed to a four-year, $19.3 million rookie-scale contract.
- No. 53: John Tonje, G — accepted a two-way deal.
Two-Way Contracts
Utah holds two-way pacts with Tonje and center Oscar Tshiebwe (both partially guaranteed). Second-year guard Elijah Harkless remains on the third slot.
Departures and Waivers
Jordan Clarkson accepted a buyout, giving back $3.44 million of his $14.09 million salary before signing with New York. Non-guaranteed deals for Johnny Juzang, KJ Martin and Jaden Springer were terminated. Forward Micah Potter joined San Antonio in free agency.
Cap Outlook
The Jazz project to carry roughly $171.5 million in salary, placing them above the $154.6 million cap but below the $187.9 million tax threshold. They are hard-capped at $195.9 million.
What’s Next
A buyout for Kevin Love is expected but not imminent. Exhibit 10 invitees Crowl and Murrell could challenge for two-way spots, while Bamba would need a standard roster opening to stick. Extension talks with center Walker Kessler remain unlikely before opening night, preserving a $14.9 million cap hold for 2026 free agency.
The Jazz enter training camp with 15 guaranteed contracts and a clear emphasis on developing prospects such as Bailey, Clayton, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier as the franchise eyes one more high lottery run before its 2026 first-round pick potentially conveys to Oklahoma City.
Source: Hoops Rumors
