Forget what you heard about the Utah Jazz and Keyonte George. While ESPN’s Tim MacMahon is reporting “optimism” from the team’s side for an extension, that optimism comes with a huge asterisk, and it might just be a pipe dream given the serious money already on their books for 2026-27.
George’s Breakout and Utah’s Hesitation
George just had a monster 2025-26 season, no doubt. He absolutely exploded, dropping career-high averages of 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game in 54 starts. That kind of production screams ‘pay the man,’ right? But hold up. MacMahon dropped a truth bomb, saying that if a deal gets done this summer, “It’s not going to be a max number.” And here’s the kicker: George “might be paid more if he waits.” Why the hesitation from the Jazz? He shot under 40 percent from the field in each of his first two seasons. They want more proof, more sample size, that his breakout isn’t just a flash in the pan. Talk about a high-stakes gamble for both sides!
The Massive Salary Cap Crunch
Now, let’s talk about the real elephant in the room: the Jazz’s financial situation. They already traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. in February, and his salary combined with Lauri Markkanen’s contract means the team is shelling out over $95 million in 2026-27, and over $100 million in the two seasons after that! George himself is set to make $6.6 million in 2026-27, but he’s looking at a projected $19.7 million as a restricted free agent next summer. We’re in a new apron era, people, and dishing out three max-level contracts is a luxury only the absolute top teams are doing. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are the only teams currently set to roster three players making at least $40 million in 2026-27. The Jazz say they want to compete for a top four playoff seed, but let’s be real: they’re coming off four consecutive losing seasons and have only scraped together 39 wins since the start of the 2024-25 campaign. Does that sound like a top-tier team ready to break the bank for a third star?
So, what’s next for the Jazz and Keyonte George? They’ve got him under contract for the upcoming season, so it wouldn’t shock anyone if they just played things out. They could wait to see how this group performs together. But here’s the kicker: if they think they can lock George down on a team-friendly deal *now*, it’s probably their best move. Why? Because if he has another huge year, that projected $19.7 million suddenly looks like a steal, and he’ll be asking for that full max contract. The Jazz are walking a tightrope between wanting proof and needing to act fast. This decision could define their next few years, win or lose.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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