Jazz Add Veteran Center
Mo Bamba Signs Two-Year Deal, Bolstering Utah Jazz Center Depth and Defense
Key Points
Bamba's career stat line includes 0.8 assists and 0.4 steals per game in addition to his 6.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, averaging 16.7 minutes over 368 games.
Utah’s signing is described as a traditional two-year contract through 2028 (not a two-way deal), with the exact guarantees and second-year options still to be disclosed.
Bamba has played for seven NBA teams to date, including the Magic, Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, Pelicans, Jazz and Raptors; his Salt Lake City arrival earlier involved a trade from the Clippers with cash and PJ Tucker for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills before a pair of 10-day Jazz stints.
In other league news, a six-team deal has Russell headed to Memphis, which could shape the Grizzlies’ rotation after Ja Morant’s departure, illustrating broader off-season movement surrounding Utah’s signing.
The Utah Jazz have signed center Mo Bamba to a two-year contract, keeping him in Salt Lake City through the 2027-28 season, according to NBC Sports. The deal is expected to be a non-guaranteed veteran minimum contract, though the exact financial terms have not been disclosed.
Bamba, 26, joins the Jazz for the fourth time after two 10-day stints with the team last season. The move fills a key frontcourt gap left by Walker Kessler's departure, giving Utah a third center option behind Jusuf Nurkić and Jaxson Hayes, Rolling Out reported.
Bamba Steps In After Kessler Leaves Utah
The Jazz lost Kessler this offseason, leaving a hole in their frontcourt. Utah responded by keeping Bamba around on a proper two-year deal rather than another 10-day contract. The team now runs a center-by-committee approach, splitting minutes among Nurkić, Hayes, and Bamba, according to NBC Sports.
Bamba brings size and rim protection, two things Utah needs with Kessler gone. The two-year term signals the Jazz want stable depth, not a quick fix. It also helps Utah complete its full 15-man roster heading into the 2026-27 season, Rolling Out noted.
A Journeyman Center With a Long Resume
Bamba was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, chosen by the Orlando Magic. Since then, he has played for seven teams: the Magic, Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, Pelicans, Jazz, and Raptors, NBC Sports reported. That kind of travel makes him one of the more well-traveled big men in the league.
Over 368 career games, Bamba averages 6.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 0.8 assists in 16.7 minutes per game. His shot-blocking is his calling card. He gives Utah a proven rim protector who can stay in front of opposing bigs without taking up big minutes.
Jazz Choose a Traditional Deal, Not a Two-Way Contract
Utah signed Bamba to a standard two-year contract, not a two-way deal. Two-way deals limit a player to fewer NBA roster days and are often used for developmental players. A full contract means Bamba has a proper roster spot through 2028, NBC Sports confirmed.
The second year's exact terms — whether it is guaranteed or includes a team option — have not been made public. Veteran minimum deals are common for depth signings like this one. Utah is essentially betting on Bamba's experience and size at a low price, Rolling Out reported.
Broader NBA Moves Shape the League This Offseason
Bamba's signing is one piece of a busy offseason across the NBA. A reported six-team trade would send veteran guard D'Angelo Russell to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to NBC Sports. Memphis already dealt with Ja Morant's absence last season, and Russell's arrival could reshape their backcourt.
For Utah, the focus stays on building around young talent while adding experienced depth. Bamba's contract fits that plan. He costs little, brings real shot-blocking, and gives the Jazz a safety net at center if Nurkić or Hayes misses time.
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