Gordon Hayward is no longer in Utah, and the Jazz are trying their best in order to improve the roster this summer. The 2016/2017 season was great for Utah. They finished fifth in the West with a 51-31 record, and eventually were swept in the Conference Semifinals by the Golden State Warriors. Their best player is now gone, as Hayward joined the Celtics, and the 2017/2018 season might be a tougher challenge for the Jazz. Earlier this week, it was reported that they signed free-agent Jonas Jerebko, and on Thursday, it was announced that Utah has agreed to a multi-year deal with another solid player.
They will need all the help they can get in the Western Conference, and this could turn out to be a great signing.
Thabo Sefolosha in Jazz uniform for the next two years
ESPN reported that Thabo Sefolosha and the Utah Jazz have agreed on a two-year deal worth $10.5 million. Sefolosha played for the Atlanta Hawks for the past three seasons, and last season with the Hawks, he averaged 7.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He didn't have much success in the playoffs last season, considering he only played eight minutes in the opening round against Washington. Sefolosha is a 6-foot-7 small forward, known around the league for his great defense and he should fit perfectly with the Utah Jazz.
He has also improved his shooting over the past few years, and last season with the Hawks Sefolosha connected on 34% of his three-pointers.
His best season was during the 2008/2009 campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he averaged 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He has playoff experience, and his presence should be felt in the Jazz locker room. Even though Sefolosha turned 33 earlier this summer, we should expect him to guard the opponent's best players next season as well.
Nwaba becomes a free agent
After the Lakers acquired Caldwell-Pope to a one-year deal earlier this week, it became clear that they will need to make more roster changes in order to make it work financially. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed a one-year deal worth $18 million with the Lakers, and the team announced that they have decided to waive David Nwaba.
Nwaba had one year left on his contract with the Lakers, but the team decided to let him go and make him a free-agent. Nwaba played 20 games for the Lakers last season and averaged 6.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He is a 6-foot-4, strong guard, and he can play at the point guard or the shooting guard position if needed.
