Utah Jazz Face Key Decisions on Five Free Agents This Offseason
Feb 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (30) reacts against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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The Utah Jazz are evaluating five key free agents as they prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season. Center Walker Kessler is the top priority, while players like Elijah Harkless and Kevin Love are also likely to be retained. However, the future of Jusuf Nurkic and Oscar Tshiebwe remains uncertain.
- 01Walker Kessler is expected to be re-signed for approximately $30 million per season, given his restricted free agent status.
- 02Elijah Harkless has shown strong defensive skills and is likely to be retained under a two-way contract.
- 03Kevin Love has expressed a desire to stay with the Jazz and is expected to be re-signed at the veteran minimum.
- 04Jusuf Nurkic's return is uncertain due to salary constraints, but he may be re-signed for around $10 million per year with a team option.
- 05Oscar Tshiebwe is unlikely to return as he cannot sign another two-way contract and may seek opportunities elsewhere.
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As the Utah Jazz prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season, they face critical decisions regarding five of their free agents. Center Walker Kessler is the team's top priority, expected to receive a lucrative offer of around $30 million annually due to his restricted free agent status. Elijah Harkless, who has demonstrated significant defensive prowess, is likely to be retained under a two-way contract, providing the Jazz with much-needed perimeter defense. Veteran Kevin Love has expressed his intention to remain with the team, and the Jazz are expected to re-sign him at the veteran minimum, valuing his experience and locker room presence. The situation with Jusuf Nurkic is more complicated; while he proved to be a versatile player, his salary demands may challenge the Jazz's budget, though a deal around $10 million per year with a team option could be feasible. Lastly, Oscar Tshiebwe is not anticipated to return, as he cannot sign another two-way contract and may pursue opportunities with other teams. The decisions made this summer will significantly shape the Jazz's roster for the upcoming season.
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The decisions regarding these free agents will directly affect the Utah Jazz's roster and performance in the upcoming season.
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