NBA Rumors: The 3 players who will leave the Utah Jazz this summer

The Utah Jazz have finally closed a season marked by reconstruction. The team ended the season losing nine of their last ten games and tied with the worst record in the Western Conference. Despite the poor performance, there is some optimism for the 2026-27 season. The team will regain their All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who was absent for the last two months and limited to 42 games this year.

Also returning is Jaren Jackson Jr., acquired at the trade deadline but only managed to play three games before being ruled out for the rest of the season. These names, along with the promising rookie Ace Bailey, Walker Kessler —if not traded— and a high pick in the 2026 Draft, form an interesting foundation for the upcoming season. Before building that new project, the franchise will need to make important roster decisions. Several players will not continue with the team.

Kevin Love, in the final stretch

The veteran Kevin Love faces free agency with the feeling that his best years are behind him. In recent seasons, he has had limited participation, both in games and minutes. In Utah, he has shown that he can still contribute with experience and leadership, but with 38 years on the horizon, his continuity seems unlikely. His retirement is not ruled out.

Oscar Tshiebwe, without interior space

After two seasons on a two-way contract, Oscar Tshiebwe has left a good impression despite playing as a smaller center. However, the presence of Jackson Jr., Kessler, and Jusuf Nurkic for the next season, along with interior also, Kyle Filipowski, minimizes his chances of remaining in the rotation.

Kennedy Chandler, seizing the opportunity

Another player likely to leave is Kennedy Chandler, who arrived on short-term contracts and took advantage of his opportunity due to injuries to Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier. In 11 games, he averaged 15 points and 6.7 assists, with over 39% accuracy from three-point range, displaying a noteworthy performance. However, the team had to let him go before the last game to avoid offering him a full contract.

Chandler himself valued the experience as a reward for his effort in the G League: “It was what I was waiting for. It's a very tough road, and sometimes you doubt, but I kept going,” he explained. With several changes on the horizon and a young growing core, the Jazz face a crucial summer to define their future. The reconstruction continues, but there are signs that the team could be more competitive in the upcoming season.