Utah Jazz pick up Thabo Sefolosha’s deal for 2018-19

While the hoops world was transfixed by LeBron James’ move to LA, the Utah Jazz quietly guaranteed Thabo Sefolosha’s contract for the 2018-19 season.

Things are going down in Jazzland and the Western Conference, and I’m not talking about LeBron James‘ move to the rival Los Angeles Lakers. Although LBJ captured the attention of the basketball world on Sunday, the Utah Jazz made a move of their own.

Thabo Sefolosha‘s contract was officially guaranteed by the team for the 2018-19 season. The 34-year-old will now earn $5.2 million on the back end of the two-year deal he inked last summer.

https://twitter.com/ThaboSefolosha/status/1013692548106407937

Although the move didn’t make waves nationally, it’s a big one for the Jazz.

Before shutting it down in January to a right MCL avulsion, Sefolosha was a key cog to Jazz coach Quin Snyder’s rotation. Over 38 games with Utah, he averaged a career-high 8.2 points per game. He also notched 4.2 boards and 1.4 steals per contest and hit on 38 percent of his 3-point shots.

Sefolosha continues to be a high-level perimeter defender as well.

Going beyond his on-court contributions, he was an important presence in the Jazz locker room. Even after injury ended his ’17-18 campaign. Donovan Mitchell regularly credits Sefolosha with helping to guide him through his rookie season —

"“He’s the one who’s taught me a lot of the little things,” Mitchell told The Salt Lake Tribune in January. “I looked to him when I came here and still to this day for defensive advice, and life and the league.”"

Per the Trib’s Tony Jones, Sefolosha could be cleared to resume work on the hardwood within six weeks. That should put him on-target for participating in training camp this fall.

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With Sefolosha’s deal locked in for next season, decisions await on the second-year options for Ekpe Udoh and Jonas Jerebko. The Jazz have until July 9 to pass or play on the duo’s contract guarantees.