Where Have Former Jazz Players Ended Up This Offseason?
Aug 21, 2024, 2:08 PM | Updated: 3:13 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 25: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Utah Jazz in action during the first half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Delta Center on October 25, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz have undergone significant changes this offseason welcoming three rookies to the roster while signing veterans Drew Eubanks, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Patty Mills.
But, with new faces coming in, several players from last year’s Jazz roster have had to find new homes this summer.
Here’s a look at who has found a new team, and who hasn’t with training camps opening next month.
Related: Jazz Officially Sign Eubanks, Mykhailiuk, Juzang, Filipowski
Where Have Past Jazz Players Landed This Offseason?
Kris Dunn
The most highly sought-after Jazz free agent was guard Kris Dunn who reignited his NBA career in Utah.
After agreeing to a 10-day contract with the Jazz late in the 2022-23 season, Dunn signed a deal to stay in Utah through the summer of 2024.
The @utahjazz are trading for Russell Westbrook for the second time in the last 18 months. #takenote https://t.co/CWjUYxGid7
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 18, 2024
Dunn became an early target of the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency and agreed to a three-year, $16.2 million deal with the team in July.
However, the deal was later converted to a sign-and-trade netting the Jazz Russell, Westbrook, a future second-round draft pick, and cash considerations.
Simone Fontecchio
Though not technically a Jazz free agent after being sent to the Pistons at February’s trade deadline, Simone Fontecchio still netted a healthy payday to remain in Detroit.
The Italian wing signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pistons which was below what had been projected after a strong season with the Jazz.
In return, the Jazz landed the 32nd pick in June’s draft which they used to select Duke center Kyle Filipowski.
Kelly Olynyk
Like Fontecchio, Kelly Olynyk was moved at the deadline to the Toronto Raptors where he quickly signed a two-year, $26 million deal to remain in his native Canada.
Kelly Olynyk has signed a lucrative new contract with the @raptors.
Do you wish he was still playing here, @utahjazz fans? #takenote https://t.co/QL1o99F5Wv
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 4, 2024
Olynyk figures to be a strong veteran presence in a young Raptors locker room, and should see plenty of playing time in a thin frontcourt.
Ochai Agbaji
Ochai Agbaji was moved to Toronto in the Olynyk deal, but despite an increase in playing time, saw his shooting numbers drop with the Raptors.
Toronto has significant depth on the wing, and added rookie Ja’Kobe Walter in the draft providing ample competition for Agbaji to find rotational minutes.
In return for Olynyk and Agbaji the Jazz landed the 29th pick in June’s draft which they used to select USC guard Isaiah Collier.
Kenneth Lofton Jr.
What once looked like a success story quickly fizzled out after Kenneth Lofton Jr. struggled to produce for the Jazz at summer league.
The talented forward showed off his intriguing skill set late in the 2023-24 season on a depleted Jazz roster, but never recaptured that magic during the offseason.
After being waived by the Jazz, Lofton Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Omer Yurtseven
Stuck behind John Collins and Walker Kessler in the rotation, Omer Yurtseven never fully found his footing in Utah.
Yurtseven played in 48 games for the @utahjazz.#TakeNote https://t.co/q0RVx0aEDO
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 30, 2024
After appearing in just 48 games, Yurtseven agreed in principle to a deal with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, but reportedly won’t make the signing official until he’s sure no NBA offers are on the way.
Luka Samanic
Luka Samanic signed a 10-day contract with the Jazz late in the 2022-23 season and played well enough to earn a one-year extension with the team through this summer.
However, inconsistent play made it difficult for him to find the floor in Utah and the team ultimately renounced his rights.
Samanic was rumored to be signing with Spanish club Baskonia, though recent reports imply the former Jazzman is close to a deal with Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Darius Bazley
Darius Bazley had a strong close to the 2024 campaign in Utah and was equally impressive with the team’s in summer league.
Related; Jazz Waive Lofton Jr., Bazley
Despite his easily projectable role as a veteran defender, the Jazz waived Bazley before his first offseason contract guarantee date, pursuing Eubanks, Mykhailiuk, and Mills instead.
Bazley remains an unrestricted free agent.
Talen Horton-Tucker
Talen Horton-Tucker was a mainstay in the Jazz rotation over the last two years, including earning a starting role to begin last season.
However, poor shooting splits and added depth in the Jazz backcourt diminished his role throughout the year.
Horton-Tucker remains unsigned, but at just 23 years old, the guard will likely find an NBA landing spot before the season begins.
Kira Lewis Jr
Initially a throw-in to the Olynyk, Agbaji trade with the Raptors, Kira Lewis Jr. wound up making 12 appearances with the Jazz late in the season.
The former lottery pick played with the Houston Rockets during the summer league, but remains unsigned this offseason.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
