The Utah Jazz and guard Keyonte George agreed on Friday, Sept. 18, to a five-year, $157.5 million rookie-scale contract extension, NBA.com reported, citing ESPN's Shams Charania. The contract averages about $31.5 million per season.
Per ESPN, the deal carries no team or player options and represents approximately 16% of Utah's salary cap. It was finalized after months of negotiations between George's agent, Jason Ranne, and Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge.
"Keyonte's leadership, growth, and commitment to what we're building make him an integral part of this franchise's future," Ainge said in a statement.
The breakout season behind the number
George, 22, was the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft after one season at Baylor, and made the All-Rookie Second Team in 2024. In 54 starts in 2025-26, his third season, he averaged career highs of 23.6 points and 6.1 assists, plus 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 33.1 minutes, shooting 45.6% from the field and 37.1% from three.
Where it fits in Utah's build
The extension adds to a young Utah core. Per NBA.com and ESPN, Utah added All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. at last season's trade deadline, still has Lauri Markkanen, and drafted Darryn Peterson No. 2 overall in 2026 to pair with George in the backcourt, alongside 2025 No. 5 pick Ace Bailey. Utah had already cleared frontcourt salary this summer when it sent Walker Kessler to the Lakers. The Jazz won a combined 39 games over the previous two seasons and last posted a winning record in 2021-22, when they went 49-33.
George's deal arrives alongside Detroit's five-year, $155 million extension for Ausar Thompson, another member of the 2023 draft class. Both deals average more than $30 million a year, well above recent veteran guard contracts such as Dillon Brooks' three-year, $73 million Suns extension in August.
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