Less than a week after signing star Lauri Markkanen to a long-term contract extension, the Utah Jazz are still making moves to their roster. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Jazz have signed wing Svi Mykhailiuk to a four-year, $15 million contract.
Free agent F Svi Mykhailiuk has agreed on a four-year, $15 million deal with the Utah Jazz, agent Michael Lelchitski of @SIGSports tells ESPN. He played 41 games for the NBA champion Boston Celtics last season. pic.twitter.com/kfUMaN9nM8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 9, 2024
Mykhailiuk spent last season with the Boston Celtics, winning his first NBA championship in June. On the year, the Ukrainian native appeared in 41 games. In those games, he averaged 4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. While these stats are not impressive, Mykhailiuk had a fantastic end to the regular season. In a 10-point win against the Washington Wizards, Mykhailiuk scored 26 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field. This includes a 6-for-8 shooting night from beyond the arc. Additionally, he recorded five rebounds, five assists, and one block.
The six-year veteran has also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets.
Utah Jazz Are Reportedly Signing Boston Celtics Champion
Svi Mykhailiuk Was Always Expected to Leave Boston
With Mykhailiuk now officially leaving the Celtics, he becomes the first player to depart from last season’s championship roster. With the exception of Oshae Brissett, who remains a free agent, all other free agents re-signed with Boston this summer. This includes players previously on a two-way contract, like JD Davison and Drew Peterson. However, the expectation was always that Mykhailiuk would leave in free agency.
Last year, the Celtics signed Mykhailiuk to a one-year deal. However, reports at the time indicated he was choosing between Boston or Greek basketball club Panathinaikos. Ultimately, Mykhailiuk decided to join the Celtics, with reports suggesting he would reconsider his options after his contract expired. Additionally, after the team drafted wing Baylor Scheierman in this year’s draft, it essentially confirmed Mykhailiuk’s departure.
What Svi Mykhailiuk Brings to Utah
Mykhailiuk is an excellent perimeter scorer who can provide a boost off the bench. Although he never received consistent minutes with the Celtics, he took advantage of the opportunities he got and looked solid when on the court. Additionally, though it was very minimal, Mykhailiuk does have experience playing in the NBA Finals. Mykhailiuk appeared in three games against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024 NBA Finals, averaging 4.4 minutes.
While he is a great perimeter shooter and can be efficient when he is hot, Mykhailiuk does not excel at anything else. He is not a great defender or rebounder. Regardless, he can be a microwave off the bench for the Jazz, which is always a valuable role to assume.
It remains unknown how much Mykhailiuk can contribute to Utah right away. However, his contract is a low-risk, high-reward one for the team. At worst, he provides extra depth at the wing position. But at best, he becomes a legitimate mainstay in the rotation and can be a leader of the second unit.
