Jazz Waive Two-Way Forward Justin James

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz have waived forward Justin James just eight days after signing the veteran to a two-way contract.

James signed with the Jazz on October 22 and attended media day but was waived Friday after the team returned from Las Vegas where the hosted a three-day training camp.

James, a third-year forward out of Wyoming spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings where he appeared in 72 total games. The Kings waived James on August 15 shortly before his contract was set to become guaranteed for a third season.

The @UtahJazz waived Justin James after signing him to a two-way deal last week.

Likely means he either has a better offer elsewhere, or the Jazz found someone they want to lock up.

Surprising regardless.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) October 1, 2021

The move frees up one of the Jazz two two-way contracts which they can fill at any point in the season. The team has one two-way spot filled after re-signing guard Trent Forrest in July.

James was the 40th pick in the 2019 NBA draft out of Wyoming and has career averages of 3.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. At 6’7, 190 lbs, the forward shoots 44 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three.

The Jazz roster now sits at 19 players, one short of the NBA preseason maximum after signing Marques Bolden and Malik Fitts earlier in the week.

The team will have to trim its roster to no more than 15 guaranteed contracts by opening night but are allowed to carry two additional players on two-way deals.

"Knowing that I'm coming back with the Jazz was a big thing for me, and to come out with these guys and get a win just makes it even better."

Trent Forrest (@TForrest_11) spoke with @RebeccaHaarlow after Utah's 2OT win. pic.twitter.com/76u8rjfuhE

— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 12, 2021

Two-way contracts allow NBA teams to shift players between their main roster and their G League affiliate. Players on two-way contacts can receive salaries of roughly $460,000, half of the rookie minimum for NBA players.

Should a team want to retain a two-way player in the postseason, they would have to convert the deal into a traditional guaranteed contract.

The Jazz currently have 14 guaranteed players under contract, plus the two-way deal of Forrest. The team will host a live practice on Zoom on Saturday, and travel to face the San Antonio Spurs in their preseason opener on Monday.