With NBA Free Agency slowing down, teams are looking to add players in areas of need, and the Utah Jazz are no exception. The one problem? They don't have cap room to do so, with a projected $176 million in salaries already committed for the 2026-27 NBA season.
That number places them over the $164.9 million salary cap, but still well below the first apron, which is $209 million. Meaning, they can still make moves to improve the team.
Based on their acquisitions of Jaxson Hayes and Josh Okogie, the Jazz have likely used their mid-level exception already. Meaning they have fewer options to put out there for any other free agents with interest in Utah.
As discussed previously, the Jazz need to shore up their center depth, and a free agent just hit the market who would fill that bill - Jonas Valančiūnas, formerly of the Denver Nuggets, who was waived by the Nuggets before a contract guarantee deadline.
While the Jazz could certainly reach out to Valančiūnas' camp about acquiring him once he clears waivers, they have an ace in the hole.
The Walker Kessler deal brought a lot of draft capital to the Jazz, but no players in return. However, it did generate a $15.2 million Traded Player Exception, which can be used in waiver claims. It's rare, but it happens, and the Jazz can pull it off.
And this would allow the Jazz to get ahead of other teams that might have an interest in the big man before he hits the open market.
Acquiring Valančiūnas would keep the Jazz flexible for the future
Looking ahead, the Jazz still need to take care of an extension for Keyonte George, who is eligible for one up until October. And Keyonte, while not a max player, will certainly be getting a big raise on his $6.5 million rookie salary.
Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson will have their own extensions coming down the line, so picking up players on short-term, budget-friendly contracts is vital for the Utah Jazz at this juncture.
Acquiring Valančiūnas would hopefully not be for too long and wouldn't cost too much, which would not interfere with the Jazz's plans to extend Keyonte George or other players on the roster. If they like having Valančiūnas around, they can re-sign him in a year and work out a deal that makes sense for both sides.
Getting a veteran center to help keep Jusuf Nurkic's minutes down is part of the benefit, and keeping Jaxson Hayes as a high-energy option in reserve without making him play 25 minutes a night is also a plus. The three centers could rotate and keep the Jazz's opponents on their heels.
And the best part? It's all thanks to the Walker Kessler deal. The Jazz can get ahead of the Valančiūnas bidding war and solve their rotation quickly before other NBA or European teams get in his agent's ear this week, regardless of Mo Bamba's return.
Add us as a preferred source on Google