Utah Jazz Face Key Offseason Decisions

From roster moves to contract extensions, the Jazz have a busy summer ahead.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Utah Jazz's official team colors of navy blue, gold, and white.The Utah Jazz face a pivotal offseason as they look to retool their roster and return to the playoffs.Salt Lake City Today

The Utah Jazz head into the offseason with several key questions to address, including improving their defense, managing their salary cap, and determining the futures of several key players. The team's performance and draft position will also be crucial factors as they look to build on their progress and return to the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Jazz are aiming to take the next step and become a consistent playoff contender, but they'll need to make some important decisions this offseason to get their roster and finances in order. Their ability to address their defensive woes, retain their core players, and potentially add new talent will be critical to their long-term success.

The details

The Jazz's biggest priority this offseason will be improving their defense, which has ranked among the NBA's worst for three straight seasons. Whether through internal development, free agent signings, or trades, the team needs to find a way to pair a strong defense with their potent offense. The Jazz's draft position will also be a key factor, as a top-3 pick could provide a franchise-changing talent. The team also has several key free agents to address, including center Walker Kessler and veterans Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love. Additionally, third-year guard Keyonte George is eligible for a rookie-scale extension, which could impact the team's salary cap situation. Finally, the Jazz's front office, led by Austin Ainge, will have to decide if they want to make any bold moves to further accelerate the team's rebuild.

  • The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on May 16, 2023.
  • Keyonte George will be eligible for a rookie-scale extension this offseason.
  • Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love will become unrestricted free agents this summer.

The players

Walker Kessler

A promising young center who had a breakout season for the Jazz. He is a restricted free agent this offseason.

Keyonte George

The Jazz's third-year guard who is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension this summer after a strong season.

Jusuf Nurkic

A veteran center who has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Jazz as an unrestricted free agent.

Kevin Love

Another veteran big man who is an unrestricted free agent and has said he would be happy to return to the Jazz.

Austin Ainge

The Jazz's lead front office decision-maker, who could look to make bold moves this offseason to further improve the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think [for Ace] and Keyonte, it's going to be about your individual defense. Before a collective group can take a step forward on the defensive side, every person has to take a step forward.”

— Will Hardy, Jazz Head Coach

“I was very surprised and welcomed with open arms by everyone. I've been on record saying I've had a truly great experience here... [Me and Jusuf Nurkic] would be back here in an instant.”

— Kevin Love

What’s next

The Jazz will be keeping a close eye on the NBA Draft Lottery on May 16th to see where they land in the draft order, as that will have a major impact on their offseason plans.

The takeaway

The Jazz have a critical offseason ahead as they look to build on their progress and return to the playoffs. Their ability to address their defensive woes, retain their core players, and potentially add new talent through the draft or trades will be key to their long-term success.