Utah Jazz waive two-way player 8 days into contract
Justin James’ experience with the Utah Jazz was cut unexpectedly short, as the team chose to waive the forward on October 1st, a mere 8 days into his 2-way contract.
James has struggled to find his footing at the NBA level thus far, and it seems that he will not do so in Salt Lake City. The 40th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft averaged 7.5 minutes per game over 2 seasons with the Sacramento Kings.
Over the course of those two seasons, James was able to demonstrate some improvement. He scored 16.1 points per 36 minutes last season after averaging 13.8 per 36 the season before. At 24, James may find another home to ply his trade before the 2021-22 season unfolds.
A two-way contract allows an NBA team to transfer a player between their regular roster and their G-League affiliate. Each team is afforded two such arrangements, and the Utah Jazz already have one committed to sophomore guard Trent Forrest.
While the job security of NBA players on two-way contracts is notoriously weak, it’s odd for a player to be waived so shortly into a contract. James was even present as a member of the Utah Jazz on Media Day. Nonetheless, the team may have another plan with the two-way contract slot it opened up with this move.
As it stands, the Utah Jazz roster 19 players, one short of the training camp maximum. Marques Bolden and Malik Fitts are two recent training camp invitees that may be vying for the two-way slot just opened up in James’ absence.
The Jazz are a deep, talented, contending NBA basketball team. General Manager Justin Zanik knows the expectations for his club are sky high entering the 2021-22 NBA season, and with good reason. He has to use every roster spot to maximize the odds of bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy to Salt Lake City.
