Utah Jazz: Owner drops hint about future of Joe Ingles

Evidence suggests that Utah Jazz treasure Joe Ingles is not going anywhere.

Except for a few outliers, Utah Jazz fans adore Joe Ingles. So as rumors began swirling last week about his potential availability for a trade this offseason, countless folks noted on social media just how teary-eyed they would be to see the franchise part ways with the reliable backup guard.

No worries for now, though. Or at least that’s how it seems.

Judging by a tweet late Tuesday night from Utah majority owner Ryan Smith, it appears Ingles is undoubtedly a part of the team’s plans for next season, which will be the 33-year-old Australian’s eighth in the league since moving overseas to Salt Lake City.

Responding to a reply listing seven “HUGE” pieces in store for the 2021-22 Jazz roster following the front office’s collection of free-agency moves this week, Smith gave the fanbase a friendly public reminder not to forget about Ingles:

Perhaps a few good years left in the tank for Utah Jazz gem Joe Ingles

Not only did Joe Ingles finish second to teammate Jordan Clarkson in voting for the 2020-21 NBA Sixth Man of Year Award, but the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter also set career-highs with his 12.1 points per game and a blistering 45.1 shooting percentage from 3-point land.

On the other hand, Ingles has plenty of room to improve on defense. That much became apparent in the postseason as the Jazz incessantly allowed wide-open 3-pointers to the Los Angeles Clippers, on their way to ending what was otherwise a memorable campaign via four straight losses in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Plus, given his age, some would say Ingles has maxed out his potential and is about to enter the downhill side of his prime.

But with frequent splashes from downtown and creative scoops in traffic, not to mention an endearing personality, Joe Ingles has become a Utah Jazz fixture in the Quin Snyder era.

On the court. From the bench. In the locker room. Throughout the community. An utter delight.

Indeed, Smith looks wise in keeping “Slow-Mo Joe” around.