Bringing back Jusuf Nurkic wasn't the Utah Jazz's biggest need, but it was still a big need nonetheless. Nurkic became a quick fan favorite in Utah, so it would have been a shame if he didn't stay, though not the end of the world. Well, now we know for certain that Big Nurk is staying a Jazzman!
Free agent center Jusuf Nurkic intends to sign a two-year, $22 million contract to return to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Nurkic thrived in coach Will Hardy's system and was excited about the Jazz new look roster. Utah officials worked through the deal with Klutch Sports CEO… pic.twitter.com/X3AxMhjQZH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026
Utah didn't necessarily have to bring him back, as their frontcourt is pretty loaded even without him, but having him back makes them so much more dynamic. In fact, it's really hard to think of any team whose frontcourt rivals the Jazz's in terms of talent and depth.
Bringing Nurkic back to a team that had Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler (likely), and Kyle Filipowski gives Utah so many optins to work with. Even better is that these five players have skillsets overlap but not to the point where they are redundant. Better yet, they are so versatile that the Jazz can afford to go small with Markkanen or JJJ.
Nurkic isn't the rim protector he used to be in Portland, but he won't have to be in Utah playing next to Kessler and JJJ. JJJ and Markkanen are both underwhelming as rebounders, but that won't matter next to Nurkic and Kessler.
After the Nurkic move, the best way to describe the Jazz's frontcourt may very well be flawless.
It's amazing how Nurkic flipped the script on himself in Utah
We have to remember that when the Nurkic trade to Utah was announced last year, everyone was baffled that he was the return for Collin Sexton. The fact that the Jazz had to add a second-round pick wa salt on the wound.
Even during yet another terrible season, Nurkic embracing Utah from Day 1 while filling in for Kessler and endearing himself to fans quite easily and strongly, for that matter. So much so that they would have been very upset if Nurkic left the team this summer. Take a look at any of the reactions to the Nurkic news, and it's all positive. He clearly won the fanbase over.
Sure, he's not going to have the same role going forward, pending any unforeseen twist with Kessler (unlikely but never say never), but it's clear the love between Nurkic and Utah goes both ways.
Many believed he was going to be a one-year rental (maybe even less so) when he got to Utah, and now he's the guy that Jazz fans can't wait to see more of going forward.
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