Category: Utah Jazz Blog

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Jazz sign Jaden Springer to multi-year contract

The Utah Jazz have signed guard Jaden Springer to a multi-year contract.

Springer originally signed a 10-day contract with Utah on Feb. 20.

Springer (6-4, 204, Tennessee) has appeared in four games for the Jazz this season, owning averages of 3.5 points on 55.6 percent from the field and 1.3 assists in 8.8 minutes per game.

Drafted in the first round with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the 76ers, Springer has additional professional experience in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats and Maine Celtics, appearing in 44 regular season games (42 starts) with averages of 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. He helped the Delaware Blue Coats to a 2022-23 G League Championship victory where he was named Finals MVP.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., he played one collegiate season at Tennessee (2020-21), seeing action in 25 games (15 starts) with averages of 12.5 points on 46.7 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from beyond the arc, along with 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.9 minutes per game.

Jazz sign Jaden Springer to 10-day contract

The Utah Jazz have signed guard Jaden Springer to a 10-day contract.

Springer (6-4, 204, Tennessee) is in his fourth NBA season, having competed in 93 games (four starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers (2021-23) and Boston Celtics (2023-25).

Drafted in the first round with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the 76ers, Springer has additional professional experience in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats and Maine Celtics, appearing in 44 regular season games (42 starts) with averages of 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. He helped the Delaware Blue Coats to a 2022-23 G League Championship victory where he was named Finals MVP.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., he played one collegiate season at Tennessee (2020-21), seeing action in 25 games (15 starts) with averages of 12.5 points on 46.7 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from beyond the arc, along with 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.9 minutes per game.

Three-team trade sends Luka Doncic to Lakers, Anthony Davis to Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they acquired 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard Luka Dončić, forward/center Maxi Kleber and forward/center Markieff Morris. As part of the three-team deal, the Utah Jazz acquires guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from Los Angeles and a 2025 second-round pick from Dallas.

“We are overwhelmingly thankful for AD’s six seasons with the Lakers, where he led our franchise to a championship and cemented himself as a perennial NBA All-Star,” said Lakers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka. “We are proud of Max Christie’s development as a Laker as he has grown into an impact 3-and-D player and we are appreciative of the work Jalen Hood-Schifino has put in to show professionalism at every level. Sports are about transformative moments. We are inspired by these moments Lakers fans know, expect and love with a franchise that continually ushers in new eras of greatness.”

“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come,” continued Pelinka. “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”

Dončić is one of three players in league history to garner five All-NBA First Team selections before age 26, joining Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan. The 25-year-old has tallied 12,089 points, 3,655 rebounds and 3,489 assists and is one of two players in NBA history to record at least 10,000 points, 3,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists through their first 400 career games (Oscar Robertson). Dončić became the first Maverick to claim an NBA scoring title after averaging 33.9 points during the 2023-24 campaign. That season on Jan. 26, Dončić scored a franchise-record 73 points versus the Atlanta Hawks, which tied for the fourth-most in NBA history. He currently stands second all-time in triple-doubles by players aged 25 or younger with 80, trailing only Oscar Robertson (117).

This season, Dončić has appeared in 22 games (all starts), averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.0 steals in 35.7 minutes. In 422 career NBA regular season games (all starts) across seven campaigns with Dallas (2018-25), Dončić has averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 34.9 minutes. Dončić’s career points per game average in the regular season is the third highest in NBA history. In 50 career playoff games (all starts), he’s averaged 30.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.7 steals in 38.9 minutes with an NBA Finals appearance in 2024. The five-time NBA All-Star ranks second all-time in playoff scoring average and tied-sixth in postseason triple-doubles (10). The Slovenian was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft prior to being traded to Dallas to begin his NBA career. Dončić went on to win the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year award after averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals in 32.2 minutes.

“We are thankful for Luka and grateful for his efforts during his time with us,” stated General Manager Nico Harrison. “He helped build this team and was an integral part of the success we’ve seen throughout the years, including our recent NBA Finals run, along with Maxi and Markieff who are veteran voices equally valued across this team. This is a new chapter, and we are excited to welcome Anthony and Max to the fold. AD is an experienced veteran, who can play both ends of the floor while helping elevate us defensively. He knows first-hand what it takes to win, and I know he’s motivated to be a part of what we’re building in Dallas.”

Davis (6-10, 268) holds career averages of 24.2 points (.523 FG%, .795 FT%), 10.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.3 blocks and 34.5 minutes per game in 778 career games (771 starts) with the New Orleans Pelicans and Lakers. In 42 games (all starts) for Los Angeles this season, he has averaged 25.7 points (.528 FG%, .788 FT%), 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks in 34.3 minutes.

The 13-year veteran is a 10-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA First Team selection (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), a 2024 All-NBA Second Team honoree, a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team First Team selection (2018, 2020, 2024) and a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree (2015, 2017). Davis was a member of the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship team that featured Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd as an assistant coach. The 2017 NBA All-Star Game MVP and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team has also won two gold medals as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team (2012, 2024).

Jazz trade Drew Eubanks, Patty Mills to Clippers for Mo Bamba, P.J. Tucker, draft pick

The LA Clippers have acquired Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills in a trade with the Utah Jazz for Mo Bamba, P.J. Tucker, a 2030 second-round pick and cash considerations, it was announced by Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations.

Eubanks is in his seventh NBA season and has played in 360 games (75 starts) with averages of 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist. He has shot 60.6% from the field in 15.9 minutes with San Antonio, Portland, Phoenix and the Jazz. Eubanks has totaled 13 career double-doubles and scored 20 or more points in six games, posting a career-high 27 against Oklahoma City on March 28, 2022.

Mills, in his 16th NBA season, has appeared in 909 games (112 starts) with Portland, San Antonio, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Miami and the Jazz. He owns career averages of 8.8 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 boards in 20.1 minutes. During the 2013-14 campaign, Mills appeared in 81 games, helping the Spurs to an NBA championship while averaging 10.2 points on 42.5% from 3-point range. He was awarded the 2021-22 NBA Sportsmanship Award and is a native of Canberra, Australia.

Bamba appeared in 28 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds. The 7-foot center has appeared in 360 career games with Orlando, the Lakers, Philadelphia and the Clippers, averaging 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots. Bamba was originally selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Texas.

Tucker has appeared in 883 games (666 starts) during his 13-year NBA career and has averaged 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals. Originally selected by Toronto in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, Tucker has played for the Raptors, Phoenix, Houston, Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and the Clippers. Tucker played collegiately at Texas from 2003-06, earning Big 12 Player of the Year in 2006.

Suns trade 2031 first round draft pick to Jazz

The Utah Jazz have completed a trade with the Phoenix Suns.

Utah acquires:

Phoenix’s 2031 unprotected first-round pick

Phoenix acquires:

2025 least favorable first-round pick (Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah (protected)

2027 least favorable first-round pick (Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah)

2029 least favorable first-round pick (Cleveland, Minnesota (protected), or Utah)

Jazz sign Elijah Harkless to two-way contract

The Utah Jazz last week (on January 1) signed guard Elijah Harkless to a two-way contract.

Harkless (6-3, 195, UNLV) has appeared in 18 games (eight starts) for the San Diego Clippers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers, this season, averaging 16.4 points on 43.8 percent from the field, along with 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals in 27.1 minutes per contest.

The San Bernadino, Calif., native had a five-year collegiate career with Cal State Northridge (2018-20), Oklahoma (2020-22), and UNLV (2022-23) appearing in 131 career NCAA games (97 starts), owning averages of 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals in 27.5 minutes per contest. As a fifth-year senior for UNLV in 2022-23, he saw action in 32 games (all starts), averaging 19.1 points, adding 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 30.9 minutes per game, garnering All-MWC Second Team honors.

Jazz sign Oscar Tshiebwe, waive Taevion Kinsey

The Utah Jazz have signed forward Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way contract.

And in a related move, the team has waived guard Taevion Kinsey.

Tshiebwe (6-9, 260, Kentucky) spent the 2023-24 season on a two-way deal with the Indiana Pacers—appearing in eight NBA games and averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game. He was named Kia NBA G League Rookie of the Year and All-NBA G League First Team after appearing in 23 regular season games (21 starts) for the Indiana Mad Ants and averaging 16.2 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 27.2 minutes per contest.

A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tshiebwe spent two collegiate seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Kentucky for his final two seasons—averaging 14.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per contest in 107 total games (105 starts).

At Kentucky, Tshiebwe was the unanimous National Player of the Year and SEC Player of the Year as a junior in 2021-22, leading the nation in rebounding with 15.2 boards per game and ranking second with 28 double-doubles. As a senior in 2022-23, he was a unanimous second-team All-America selection and led the nation in rebounding (13.7 rpg) for a second consecutive season.

Kinsey (6-5, 190, Marshall) appeared in 34 regular season games (23 starts) in one season with the Salt Lake City Stars, averaging 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 30.8 minutes per game.

Jazz sign Kyle Filipowski

The Utah Jazz have signed center/forward Kyle Filipowski.

Filipowski (7-0, 248, Duke) played in eight games (five starts) for the Jazz at the 2024 Salt Lake City Summer League and NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas, owning averages of 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steal in 22.2 minutes per contest. The Westtown, N.Y., native was drafted by the Jazz with the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

During his two-year collegiate career, he played in 72 games (all starts), averaging 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 29.8 minutes per contest. He was only the seventh Duke player in the past 50 years to total over 1,000 points in their first two seasons.

As a sophomore during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 16.4 points on 50.6 percent from the field, along with 8.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 36 games, earning Consensus 2023-24 All-American Second Team and All-ACC First Team honors. During his first collegiate season in 2022-23, he recorded averages of 15.1 points, 9.0 boards, and 1.6 assists in 36 games, garnering 2022-23 All-ACC Second Team and All-ACC Freshman Team honors, as well as being named the ACC’s Freshman of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

The 20-year-old finished his high school career at Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Wilbraham, Mass., where he was named the 2021 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year. He competed at the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit following his high school career.

Utah Jazz coaching staff and basketball operations department update

Today, the Utah Jazz announced staff updates within the coaching staff and basketball operations department ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Shane Fenske, who previously served as Vice President of Analytics and Insights has been moved into the role of Assistant General Manager. Prior to his time with the Jazz, the Blackduck, Minn., native spent six seasons with the Boston Celtics as a basketball operations and salary cap analyst and basketball operations technology developer. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Yale.

Assistant Coach Sean Sheldon, who has been with the organization for two years, will move to the front of the bench for Will Hardy’s staff. He began in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, starting as a quality assurance assistant in the video department, before being promoted to assistant video coordinator and then head video coordinator. The Traverse City, Mich., native was a graduate assistant at Michigan State after playing professionally in Switzerland for a season. He was a four-year player at William & Mary from 2012-16.

Andrew Warren, who has served as an assistant video coordinator for the team for the past two seasons will transition into the role of Assistant Coach. A native of Indianapolis, he served as a video coordinator for the Birmingham Squadron during the 2021-22 season, after an exceptional 10-plus year international and G League career, playing in Argentina, Australia, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Japan, and New Zealand as well as for the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors and Stockton Kings (then Reno Bighorns). He played collegiately at Bradley (2006-11).

Justin Mazzulla, who served as Assistant Coach and Video Coordinator for the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah’s G League affiliate, will be moving to the Jazz video room as an Assistant Video Coordinator. The Johnston, R.I., native, briefly served as a Graduate Assistant at Rhode Island and played five collegiate seasons at George Washington (2017-20) and Vermont (2020-22).

Torin Dorn joins the Jazz video room as Assistant Video Coordinator, after serving as Assistant Coach and Player Development Associate for the Salt Lake City Stars. The Charlotte, N.C., native began his playing career at North Carolina-Charlotte before transferring to N.C. State, where he spent three seasons (2016-18). Following his time with the Wolfpack, Dorn went on to play professionally in the Polish Basketball League (2019-20) and Czech Basketball League (2021-22), before returning to N.C. State as a Graduate Manager.

Katie Benzan, who joined the Jazz as a Basketball Operations generalist in 2022-23, will now serve as Salt Lake City Stars Assistant General Manager/Coordinator of Pro Scouting. The Wellesley, Mass., native played one professional season with the Washington Mystics of the WNBA in 2022 after a standout collegiate career at Harvard (2016-19) and Maryland (2020-22), where she set a program record for three-point percentage (.474).

Brian Pauga, who served as a scout for the organization has been promoted to Director of College Scouting & Basketball Intelligence, with another former scout, Shenton Wai, being elevated to Manager of Pro Scouting. Zach Paige will now serve as Manager of Basketball Operations and Scouting after serving as Coordinator of Basketball Operations. Spencer Siegel has been added as a Data Scientist in the front office after recently finishing his master’s degree in statistics from Stanford, with the team also adding Alec Moore as Full Stack Software Engineer earlier this season.

Additionally, Lynzie Sorenson is being promoted to Director of Family Relations, Josh Raia has been named Executive Chef, Anela Davis has been added as a Basketball Operations Generalist-Analytics, and Bernard Webb is being elevated to Team Operations Coordinator.

Jazz sign guard Taevion Kinsey to 10-day contract

The Utah Jazz have signed guard Taevion Kinsey to a 10-day contract.

Kinsey (6-5, 190, Marshall) has appeared in 25 games for the Salt Lake City Stars, the team’s G League affiliate, in 2023-24, owning averages of 10.2 points on 55.8 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from beyond the arc, along with 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 28.7 minutes per contest. He was selected to compete in the G League Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, where he earned second place.

The Columbus, Ohio, native played five seasons at Marshall (2018-23), appearing in 154 games (130 starts), owning averages of 17.1 points on 50.7 percent from the field, along with 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34.1 minutes per contest and left the school as its all-time leading scorer with 2,641 points. He was named the 2022-23 Sun Belt Player of the Year following his final college season, with averages of 22.1 points, 5.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 32 games (all starts) and was also named to the 2022-23 All-Sun Belt First Team. He competed for the Utah entries at 2023 Salt Lake City Summer League and NBA 2K24 Summer League.