As the Utah Jazz move forward into September, they have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season - winning games (no, really!), multiple All-Star caliber players, Ace Bailey's sophomore season, and Darryn Peterson being a Rookie of the Year candidate.
One thing they were not expecting in September was for extension discussions to boil to the surface, namely for their members of the 2023 draft class.
While Brice Sensabaugh has been solid over three seasons, the other player in this group, Keyonte George, is slated to get a huge raise, following his breakout year in 2025-26.
Keyonte was one of the more notable All-Star snubs last season and has plenty of motivation to continue his strong play moving forward. A lot of NBA teams passed on him in 2023 (the Jazz picked him 16th overall), and his first two years left a bit to be desired. With the Jazz looking to win at last, he should get a lot more recognition this season.
There is also the matter of another member of that draft class, Amen Thompson, recently receiving a massive five-year, $208 million rookie extension. Only Victor Wembanyama (five years, $252 million) has a bigger deal from the 2023 draft class.
Thompson's deal makes things very difficult for the Jazz
Amen Thompson's deal, which is rewarding potential a bit more than current production, will set the bar for George's agent in negotiations with the Utah Jazz.
Earlier this year, it was thought the Jazz could lock Keyonte up for $30-32 million a year and keep some future money for Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson. But Key's star turn and Amen Thompson's contract have changed all of that.
Now, it seems the Jazz will be looking at closer to $40 million annually for Keyonte's next deal, and that could leave a lot less money for everyone else down the road. Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. already account for nearly $100 million of the Jazz's cap this season alone.
And with other notable 2023 draft class members waiting on extensions, including Brandon Miller of Charlotte, Ausar Thompson of Detroit, Scoot Henderson of Portland, Anthony Black of Orlando, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. of Milwaukee, Keyonte's contract could balloon even further.
If the Jazz are smart, they will get to the negotiating table soon with Keyonte's agent and hammer out a deal. They cannot afford to make the same mistake they did with Walker Kessler.
Let's hope the Jazz are willing to work out a deal, and keep the Jazz's best young player in the fold.
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