The Utah Jazz announced that they have waived two of their forward players, Darius Bazley and Kenneth Lofton Jr. Both of these players had signed non-guaranteed deals that lasted three years back in March. These deals would keep these players through the end of the 2023–24 season and through the Summer League. Both these contract deals were worth roughly $800,000, and there were two roster spots for the Jazz. No statement has been given as to reasons for performance, salary cap, or team needs at this time. It seems the team has other plans, and the future of both of these players in the league is uncertain.
Bazley And Lofton’s history
This change to the Utah Jazz came to us from a team announcement in a press release. This doesn’t exclude them from future relations with the organization. Both players had upcoming salary guarantee dates, which means they could re-sign with the Jazz later in the offseason. Bazley is a 24-year-old power forward/center.
He signed with the team back in mid-March and played in six games. In his time with the squad, he averaged 8 points and 4.5 rebounds with just over twenty minutes a game. Being waived isn’t new for him, as Brooklyn also waived him last October. In his last season, he played with Delaware in the G League and three games with Philadelphia under a 10-day contract.
On the other hand, we have Lofton, who is a 21-year-old power forward. He also signed with the franchise but only played four games with them in early March. With this roster, he averaged almost 14 points, five rebounds, and 4.8 assists with almost 23 minutes per game. In his past, he played 15 games with the Grizzles beginning of last season, where he was waived at the end of the year and got a two-way contract with Philadelphia, where he played two games with them.
Signed suprises
When they were both signed as free agents, they were essentially low-risk with a high-reward prospect. This doesn’t mean they are done, as anything is possible in the NBA. Bazley and Lofton both showed moments of potential as the 20-24 season was closing. They also did very well in the Summer League with a fully packed Utah Jazz roster.
This may not be what the fans thought would happen, as Lofton was expected to be essential to adding his skills to rebuilding the Jazz team. It looked like he was given chances to lead the team as he was intermittently used to leading the offense. He moved the ball well with great court vision, adding in rebounds with strength. As good as he did, it appeared that Sisyphus moved the ball a little better. He didn’t keep the ball as much and made plays quicker.
Where the Utah Jazz go from here
Bazley provided production for the Jazz during his time in the Summer League. It wasn’t so much with points on the board but as a great backup. Utah is in a rebuilding stage, and placing players to fit the staff’s chemistry is a priority. Neither fit the overall future vision. This gives the team options to fill their roles and use their investment toward other interests. There are a lot of trade rumors swirling around the NBA and Utah Jazz, with offers for Lauri Markkanen, Podziemski, or Kuminga, and what will become of Keyonte George after his Summer League performance.
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