On Monday, the Utah Jazz made multiple moves ahead of the 2024-25 season. A team that many believe are still in rebuild mode, these additions lend credence to the idea that the Jazz will lean into the youth of their roster.
Jazz Complete Multiple Roster Moves As Offseason Winds Down
Kyle Filipowski
Their biggest decision was signing Kyle Filipowski —the No. 32 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft —to a standard contract. Per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the deal is for four years and $12 million. While the first two years of the deal are guaranteed, the third year isn’t. In addition, Filipowski will have a team option on his contract for the 2027-28 season.
The Utah Jazz signed rookie Kyle Filipowski to a four-year, $12 million deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The deal is fully guaranteed for the first two years, is non-guaranteed Year 3, and has a team option Year 4. The former Duke star was the 32nd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft pic.twitter.com/5KDWb5lW3h
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 13, 2024
Filipowski was originally expected to sign a two-way contract. However, his performance during Summer League may have contributed to him making the cut for the regular 15-man roster. As he gained steam, his skill and athleticism stood out against the crowd, making his draft night drop even more of a head-scratcher.
After averaging 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the Las Vegas, he still has plenty to work on. Nonetheless, he removed a lot of doubt about his viability as an NBA player.
The Old Switch-a-Roo!
Though the Jazz didn’t sign Filipowski to a two-way contract, they did give one to Oscar Tshiebwe.
We have signed forward Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way contract ✍️
𝙳𝙴𝚃𝙰𝙸𝙻𝚂 🔗 https://t.co/SKubmfgVX2#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/X87Es5GALc
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 12, 2024
A two-time AP All-American and the 2022 Naismith College Player of the Year, Tshiebwe went undrafted in 2023. After he averaged 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in his final collegiate season, this was a bit shocking. However, the Congolese center took the hit on the chin, putting together a strong 2023-24 campaign while primarily playing in the G League.
Indeed, Tshiebwe was named the 2024 NBA G League Player of the Year.
A rarefied rebounder at 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds, his athleticism and rebounding prowess would truly help the Jazz. In the event of an injury to one of their big men, a call-up could be on the way.
With Utah set to waive Taevion Kinsey shortly after signing him, Tshiebwe has to be on his toes though.
The Utah Jazz are waiving Taevion Kinsey, league sources told @hoopshype. The move will open a two-way spot for Utah.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 12, 2024
Of their two other two-way roster spots, one is being used on another big man. The Jazz signed Micah Potter, 6-foot-10 and 248 pounds, to a two-way contract on Aug. 6. A stretch-big who fits a modern-day offense more than Tshiebwe, he may be viewed as his competition more than a complement.
