The Utah Jazz continued reshaping their roster Friday by agreeing to a two-year, $12 million contract with veteran wing Josh Okogie, in keeping with ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania reported that Okogie selected Utah over a number of different suitors.
The signing provides Utah one other skilled perimeter defender because the franchise makes an attempt to transition from a 22-60 season right into a extra aggressive group constructed round Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and newly acquired Jaren Jackson Jr.
Okogie is coming off one of the vital environment friendly taking pictures seasons of his eight-year NBA profession. Enjoying 78 video games for the Houston Rockets in 2025-26, he averaged 4.5 factors, 2.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 17.4 minutes whereas taking pictures 42.5% from the sector and a career-best 38.5% from three-point vary on 2.1 makes an attempt per recreation. His .531 efficient field-goal proportion was additionally the best mark of his profession.
Though his offensive function remained restricted, Okogie continued to supply worth as a defensive specialist able to guarding a number of perimeter positions. Throughout 494 profession video games, together with 199 begins, he has averaged 6.1 factors, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.9 steals whereas showing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets and Rockets.
The 27-year-old enters a Jazz rotation that already options a number of younger wings. Brice Sensabaugh averaged 14.9 factors whereas taking pictures 36.7% from three final season, rookie No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson is predicted to play a serious function instantly, and Ace Bailey contributed 13.8 factors throughout 72 video games throughout his rookie marketing campaign. Okogie’s expertise and defensive versatility ought to complement these extra offensively oriented gamers.
Utah’s offseason has featured sweeping modifications following one other lottery end. The Jazz traded former starting center Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade that created extra flexibility, whereas persevering with to construct round Markkanen and George. Markkanen averaged a team-high 26.7 factors in 42 video games final season, whereas George broke out with 23.6 factors, 6.1 assists and 37.1% taking pictures from three over 54 contests.
The frontcourt additionally seems to be considerably totally different coming into 2026-27. Jackson Jr. joined the group late final season, and the Jazz added Jaxson Hayes in free company whereas retaining Kyle Filipowski and Svi Mykhailiuk on assured contracts. Filipowski averaged 11.4 factors and seven.2 rebounds in 77 video games, whereas Mykhailiuk shot 40.8% from past the arc.
