The 2024-25 season has been over for the Utah Jazz for a few weeks now. Because the Jazz are now eliminated, they are also free to make some moves if they like, such as making some trades with other teams whose seasons have ended.
Usually, teams wait until everyone's season is over before making any decisions, but it's been known to happen. With their season officially over, the Jazz are now able to trade Lauri Markkanen if they want. The fact that they haven't shows that even if that is the plan, they're not desperate to get him off their payroll.
That's a whole other thing by itself, and it's been covered quite a bit and will likely continue to be covered in the coming months, so there's no need to rehash the prospect of trading Markkanen. As the next few months unfold, multiple key dates will emerge for the Jazz.
Key dates coming in the next few months for Utah
Let's start with the most obvious one, which just happens to be the first one coming up.
May 12, 2025: NBA Draft lottery
This is the moment the Jazz have been waiting for since pretty much last October. Which pick the Jazz end up with will ultimately decide if the tank was truly worth it. The Jazz want Cooper Flagg just like their rival bottom feeders, so if they get the No. 1 pick, their biggest offseason goal is already taken care of.
If they don't, well then, matters get a little more complicated, but Utah will still have plenty of options to explore regardless.
June 25, 2025: NBA Draft
Whether they get the No. 1 pick or not, the very direction of the Jazz's future could change depending on who they pick. Again, if it's Flagg, there doesn't need to be an explanation, but multiple talented prospects that could change the franchise will also be available, like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.
While getting Flagg would be exciting, the mystery of who the Jazz would pick if they don't get him is also pretty exciting in its own way.
June 30, 2025: John Collins player option deadline
Collins has the option to opt in for $26.5 million this summer. Given that there isn't all that much cap space this summer, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Collins will opt in.
The real question will be what the Jazz decide to do with him after that. Collins made it clear that he's loyal to Utah like the Jazz's other veterans during his exit press conference. However, Utah came within inches of trading him at the trade deadline, so it would be hard to see how they wouldn't pass up the opportunity to try again.
June 30, 2025: Svi Mykhailuk & Johnny Juzang guaranteed date deadline
This is technically different because the ball will be in the Jazz's court regarding what they'll do with those two. In Mykhailuk's case, it's hard to argue why the Jazz should keep him knowing that they may want to make room for younger players.
Juzang is a little different. Not only is he paid less than Mykhailiuk, but he actually did a pretty good job showcasing why he belongs in the NBA. He may not be a star in the making, but Juzang proved how valuable his floor spacing can be to the point where getting rid of him doesn't seem smart.
However, if neither are in Utah's plans, the Jazz may try to trade them first before waiving them.
July 25, 2025: Jaden Springer partially guaranteed date
There will be multiple deadlines in which the Jazz have to decide to keep or waive Springer. If they keep him, he gets more money. Springer was a late-season addition and didn't really factor into the Jazz's season much.
He's a bit more team-friendly compared to some of the players mentioned before him. Even if the Jazz partially guarantee his contract on July 25 (which would be for $400k), that doesn't mean he'll stick around.
Like Mykhailiuk and/or Juzang, the Jazz might try to include him in a trade before outright waiving him.
October 31, 2025: Club options for Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh
Okay, this is kind of cheating because the new season wll have started by the time this date approaches. For the record, this is not for next season, but the one after that. Pending any surprises, the Jazz will likely have them all stay.
That's just what happens with player with rookie contracts. Getting good production on cheap contracts is something teams don't typically pass up.
Note that the Jazz can also work out an extension with Walker Kessler this offseason, which is surely one of their biggest priorities this offseason, but they don't have to agree to it before next season starts. However, it may send the right message to get it done as soon as possible.