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Jazz Extend Keyonte George for $157.5M
Confirmed
In Short: The Utah Jazz have locked up point guard Keyonte George with a five-year, $157.5 million contract extension.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George has agreed to a five-year, $157.5 million contract extension, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday morning. The team officially announced the deal later that day.
Austin Ainge, the Jazz president of basketball operations, praised George’s leadership and commitment to the team, stating, “Keyonte’s leadership, growth, and commitment to what we’re building make him an integral part of this franchise’s future.”
George’s contract extension is for the maximum five years, unlike Walker Kessler’s four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. This move ensures the Jazz avoid a similar situation with George becoming a restricted free agent next summer.
In his third NBA season, George saw a significant improvement in his performance, increasing his points per game average from 16.8 to 23.6 and improving his shooting percentages from all areas of the floor.
The extension grants Utah immense flexibility with its offense, positioning the team to become a breakout contender in the coming seasons. George’s ability to play both point guard and shooting guard adds versatility to the roster, alongside teammate Donovan Mitchell.
What's confirmed
- On Friday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported that the Jazz and Keyonte George have agreed to a five-year, $157.5 million contract extension.
What's still developing
- That said, as KSL’s Chandler Holt observed, George’s annual average salary during the contract extension will be similar to the likes of Immanuel Quickley, Jordan Poole, Derrick White, Jalen Suggs and Tyler Herro, players who have either shown flashes of stardom or are fringe All-Stars, but who aren’t in the NBA’s upper echelon of guards.
- It all probably amounts to a good middle ground of sorts for both the Jazz and George.
- Sources: Jazz, George reach $157.5M extension | ESPN La Crosse 105.5 You are using an outdated browser.
- George has become a three-tier scorer who is as comfortable slashing past defenders and finishing in the paint as he is lacing stepback 3s.
- As with all contract extensions, the instant question becomes: is it worth it?
- George flies under the radar because of the market he plays in, but he’s a fourth-year player who has seen his numbers and efficiency metrics tick up every season, he's 22 and he has the potential to be part of what could be an elite backcourt pairing in Utah, alongside No.
- George averaged career highs in points (23.6 per game), assists (6.1), field goal percentage (45.6%), 3-point percentage (37.1%), win shares (3.3), player efficiency rating (18.5), steals (1.1) and other metrics last season.
- Three seasons later, it also shows that the Jazz nailed their No. 16 overall selection on the prospect coming out of Baylor.