First Domino in Jazz Offseason Falls as Damian Jones Decides on Option

Finally, we’ve got some action on the Utah Jazz front for some of the pending decisions on team/player options. To kick things off, Damian Jones has accepted his $2.5 million player option to stick with the Jazz one more season. After being a midseason acquisition at February’s trade deadline, Jones has opted to suit up for the 2023-24 season.

Center Damian Jones has exercised his $2.58 million player option to return to the Utah Jazz next season, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2023

In a short 19 games with the Jazz, we still managed to see some of the impact Jones could bring if given an entire season. In 15 minutes a game, Jones averaged 4.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and .5 blocks while also shooting an absurd 71% from three. While shooting 14 threes in his time with the Jazz is a small sample size, it’s abundantly clear that Jones has developed a highly respectable outside shot throughout his career.

This year, he’ll look to get more minutes and opportunity to capitalize on what now looks to be a contract year. Walker Kessler should have the starting spot locked down by all accounts next season, but Jones can be well suited in a backup role if the Jazz decide to not select a center during this year’s draft.

This now gives the Jazz 11 rostered players, with four on partially or non-guaranteed contracts. With three first-round picks entering Thursday’s NBA Draft, it’s hard to imagine all of these players sticking around for the entirety of the offseason. Jazz fans must wait to see how Utah and their front office will tackle the offseason ahead.

In what will be his 8th career year in the NBA, Jones will look to capitalize on the opportunity to earn a new payday in the summer of 2025.

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