Jusuf Nurkic Hints at Potential Jazz Future Amid Free Agency

The veteran center expressed his desire to return to Utah despite an injury-plagued season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:38am by

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp geometric planes in the colors of the Utah Jazz's official team palette.Nurkic's potential return to the Jazz could provide veteran leadership and stability as the team looks to build around its young core.Portland Today

Jusuf Nurkic, the 31-year-old center for the Utah Jazz, has signaled his interest in potentially re-signing with the team despite becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Nurkic, who missed the latter part of the season due to a nose injury, said he 'loves everything about the state and the team' and that his time in Utah 'ended up a beautiful thing' despite not having high expectations initially.

Why it matters

Nurkic's potential return would provide valuable veteran leadership and experience to a Jazz team that struggled with injuries this past season, finishing 15th in the Western Conference. His production and chemistry with the team could make him an attractive option for the Jazz as they look to build for the future around young talents like Ace Bailey.

The details

Nurkic, who signed a 4-year, $70 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022, averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 41 games (36 starts) for the Jazz this past season before undergoing season-ending nose surgery. Despite the team's struggles, Nurkic became the first player in franchise history to record three consecutive triple-doubles, showcasing his well-rounded game.

  • Nurkic's 4-year, $70 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.
  • Nurkic underwent season-ending nose surgery in February 2026 after appearing in 41 games for the Jazz.

The players

Jusuf Nurkic

A 31-year-old veteran center who played for the Utah Jazz during the 2025-26 season, becoming the first player in franchise history to record three consecutive triple-doubles.

Ace Bailey

A young, up-and-coming player for the Utah Jazz who is considered a potential future superstar for the team.

Walker Kessler

A Jazz player who underwent shoulder surgery after appearing in just 5 games during the 2025-26 season.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A newly acquired Jazz player who was also shut down following knee surgery during the 2025-26 season.

Kevin Love

A veteran player who was part of the Jazz's rotation during the 2025-26 season.

Kyle Filipowski

A rookie player who was part of the Jazz's rotation during the 2025-26 season.

Oscar Tshiebwe

A player who was part of the Jazz's rotation during the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“It would be easy to come back, and I want to come back. Love everything about the state and the team. It was one of those things that you didn't have expectations, and ends up a beautiful thing.”

— Jusuf Nurkic

What’s next

The Jazz will need to evaluate their roster and plans for the future as they decide whether to offer Nurkic a new contract this offseason.

The takeaway

Nurkic's positive comments about his time in Utah suggest the Jazz could look to retain the veteran center, whose experience and production could be valuable as the team aims to build around young talents like Ace Bailey. However, the team's direction will ultimately determine if Nurkic remains in Utah beyond this season.