The Utah Jazz have informed Ekpe Udoh and his representation of their intent to guarantee his $3.4 million contract for next season, league sources told The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday night.
Udoh flew to Las Vegas from Miami on Sunday to be with the Jazz, who will continue their summer league play on Tuesday.
With that, the Jazz have essentially set their roster for next season. On the court, Udoh proved to be a dynamic defender from the center spot, blocking shots and protecting the paint. In the locker room, he was a valuable commodity, consistently providing veteran leadership to younger teammates.
Udoh projects as the third center for the Jazz next season. He was a fixture in the community, setting up a book club that met periodically during the year. The Jazz brought back much of their team from last season. They came to terms with Derrick Favors, Dante Exum and Raul Neto.
They waived Jonas Jerebko, and that could create a spot at the end of the roster. If it does, sources say the spot will likely go to a younger player.
