With a little over a month left in the 2023-24 NBA season, the Utah Jazz are looking to the G League and free agency to boost their current roster. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Jazz have signed forwards Darius Bazley and Kenneth Lofton Jr. to three-year deals.
Utah Jazz Sign G League Teammates to Multi-Year Deals
Darius Bazley
Bazley spent most of this season with the Philadelphia 76ers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. On the season, the 23-year-old is averaging 21 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Furthermore, Bazley participated in the 2024 NBA G League Next Up Game.
Free agent F Darius Bazley is planning to sign a non-guaranteed three-year deal with the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. He’s averaged 21 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists for Delaware of G League this season. pic.twitter.com/lA1KpwJrf7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2024
The Boston, MA native is a versatile wing with lots of potential. He is a good scorer who can drive to the basket and shoot from the perimeter. Additionally, Bazley is a good rebounder and has the tools to be a solid defender in the NBA. At 6’8″, Bazley has good size and can play small ball center if needed. Last year, Bazley talked about his versatility and ability to play numerous positions:
I don’t like to limit myself because I do think of myself as versatile, but ideally I’m on the wing being able to play off the catch and get out in transition off the dribble. But at the end of the day, I’m a basketball player, so I’m gonna find a way to bring something to the game when I’m on the floor.
Bazley is an exciting prospect who can provide depth for the Jazz.
Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Lofton began the season with the Memphis Grizzlies but was waived by the team in December. Shortly after, Lofton signed a two-contract with the 76ers before the team waived him on March 1. In 17 games played this season, the 21-year-old is averaging 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. However, in the G League, Lofton’s numbers are noticeably more eye-opening. With the Blue Coats, Lofton averaged 26 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Like Bazley, Lofton was also selected for the 2024 NBA G League Next Up Game.
Free agent F Kenneth Lofton Jr., is signing a three-year non-guaranteed contract with the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Lofton has played with the Sixers and Grizzlies this season. pic.twitter.com/yLzoFNI2Gy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2024
The Texas native is a monstrous presence in the paint on both sides of the ball. Additionally, Lofton is a tenacious rebounder and is not afraid of contact. At 6’7″, he is traditionally too short to play the center position, but he is capable of playing the position in stints.
The Last Word on the New Utah Jazz Signings
Both players were enjoying tremendous success in the G League. And considering they both have experience on main NBA rosters as well, it is easy to see why the Jazz had interest in bringing them in. The Jazz are currently 28-36 and own the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, they are 5.5 games back from a Play-In spot. It remains unclear how big of a role these two have right away with the team.
