There has been a lot of good news as it pertains to the Utah Jazz recently, with the drafting of Darryn Peterson last week, as well as the outlook on free agency. While the Jazz made their biggest move to that end back in February, it will be a busy July as they look to extend Walker Kessler and perhaps Keyonte George as well.
One move that might not please Jazz fans could involve big man Kyle Filipowski, who has been a valuable reserve the past two seasons. He may be on his way out the door sooner rather than later.
"Flip" is signed for the 2026-27 season at a bargain rate of $3 million, with a team option for 2027-28 at the same price. With averages of 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds this past season, he would be paid handsomely on the open market, and has trade value in the meantime.
The first move that indicated Filipowski might not be in the Jazz's long-term plans? His uniform number was quickly given to the rookie Peterson, just days after the NBA Draft.
The second move? Bringing in two new roster additions that play the same position as Filipowski. Micah Handlogten (seven-foot-one, 260 pounds) and Jaxon Kohler (six-foot-10, 245 pounds).
Third, the potential re-signing of big men Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love, both of whom proved invaluable on a young roster last season.
And fourth, the Jazz's plans to re-sign Walker Kessler, who sat out all but five games a year ago. Walker's injury is the biggest factor in why Filipowski got 20-25 minutes a night in 2025-26.
What all of this means for Kyle Filipowski
While Kyle had a great season, his role and minutes are likely to drop in 2026-27 if he remains with the Utah Jazz. The starting frontcourt for Utah this year will consist of Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Kessler.
Nurkic, last year's fill-in starter at the five, should be back on a reduced contract and will get 15 to 20 minutes a night off the bench. The addition of Darryn Peterson in the backcourt may move second-year man Ace Bailey to the frontcourt more often.
This all adds up to fewer minutes, a smaller role, and questions about whether Flip has a place on the playoff-contending Jazz roster.
He could also have value in the trade market with teams seeking capable big men who can stretch the court. Keeping him with a smaller role may mean losing him for nothing down the road, as his production will cause some team to offer the mid-level exception, which could be too rich for Utah's blood. For now, the Jazz can at least get an asset in return with the shallow free agent market this summer.
Do we want to see Kyle Filipowski heading off elsewhere? No, but the math says it's likely to happen unless other roster moves occur before the 2026-27 season begins.
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