New NBA Rumors on Keyonte George Contract Talks with Jazz Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Despite having two big contracts already on their books, the Utah Jazz have a big decision to make with Keyonte George eligible for an extension coming off a breakout 2025-26 season.

On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast (starts at 30:40 mark), ESPN's Tim MacMahon said there is "optimism" from the Jazz side that a deal with George can be worked out:

"There was a time, and I said it here, that I didn't think an extension was going to get done. Then I was told when I was out in Salt Lake City, like, 'Hey, there's a little bit more optimism than there was in late June. It's not going to be a max number if it's done this summer. He might be paid more if he waits."

It's unclear what George is seeking in an extension, but he significantly increased his negotiating leverage after averaging career-highs with 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game in 54 starts last season.

The Jazz would presumably want more of a sample size to prove that is going to be more indicative of what George will be going forward. He shot under 40 percent from the field in each of his first two seasons.

Another issue is the Jazz traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. in February. His salary combined with Lauri Markkanen's contract means the Jazz will be paying them more than $95 million in 2026-27 and more than $100 million in the following two seasons.

George is set to make $6.6 million in 2026-27 and has a $19.7 million projected number as a restricted free agent next summer.

In the new apron era that every team exists in, handing out three max-level contracts is something only teams at the very top of the NBA hierarchy are doing.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are the only teams currently set to roster three players who make at least $40 million in 2026-27.

Utah is hoping to reach a point where it is competing for a top four playoff seed, but the team is coming off four consecutive losing seasons and has won a total of 39 games since the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Since the Jazz already have George under contract for the upcoming season, it wouldn't be a surprise if they opted to play things out to see how this group looks together.

But if the Jazz think they can get George to extend on something close to a team-friendly number, it might be in their best interest to do so because another big year from him would set him up to ask for a max contract.