What happened: Free agent center Jusuf Nurkic intends to sign a two-year, $22 million contract to return to the Utah Jazz, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The agreement, worked out with Klutch Sports, brings Nurkic back to coach Will Hardy's system. The deal carries an average annual value of roughly $11 million.

Why it matters: Retaining Nurkic gives Utah a settled veteran presence in the frontcourt heading into the 2026-27 season. The move also colors the franchise's broader frontcourt picture amid the ongoing standoff over Walker Kessler with the Los Angeles Lakers, with Utah continuing to shape its depth chart around its young core.

What to watch: Watch whether Nurkic's return alters Utah's posture on Walker Kessler trade talks and how Hardy structures the center rotation entering training camp.