Keyonte George locks in $157.5 million Utah Jazz extension
The 2023 draft class sees its third major contract, with George becoming the first non-lottery pick to secure a rookie-scale extension.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George has agreed to a five-year, $157.5 million rookie-scale extension, cementing his status as a foundational piece for the franchise. According to reports from CBS Sports, the deal makes George the third player from the 2023 NBA Draft class to receive a second contract, joining Victor Wembanaya and Amen Thompson.
George’s agreement is notable for being the first extension secured by a player drafted outside of the lottery. Selected 16th in 2023, the 22-year-old delivered career-best averages of 23.6 points and 6.1 assists during the 2024-25 season. His improved shooting efficiency, with 45.6% field goal percentage and 37.1% from three-point range, underpinned the Jazz’s decision to lock him in.
The Jazz intend to pair George with Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 pick in the current draft, as they build a new core. The move signals a shift in the team’s long-term strategy, prioritising young talent with proven development trajectories.
Attention now turns to the Charlotte Hornets, where forward Brandon Miller is identified as the logical next candidate for a lucrative deal. Following the trade of LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, Charlotte has relatively clean cap space, allowing them to focus on their young core of Miller and Kon Knueppel. Projections suggest Miller could command a five-year, $200 million contract, though his injury history, which saw him miss 55 games last season, remains a factor.
Other 2023 draft picks face varying timelines for their next contracts. Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers may have to wait until next summer’s restricted free agency cycle if his role diminishes, while Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, referred to as Thompson in some reports, is expected to wait for an extension until the Jalen Duren contract stalemate is resolved.
The broader landscape of the 2023 class suggests a wave of significant financial commitments is imminent. As teams evaluate their rosters, the next few weeks will determine whether Miller and other high-profile picks secure their futures or enter the free agency market.
