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SALT LAKE CITY — The future was a common topic as the Utah Jazz sat down for its end-of-season media sessions. Utah missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons, but there was a sense it would be a short drought.
Lauri Markkanen called the future of the team "bright," and other veterans praised the quick progressions of rookies Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji.
The 2022-23 Jazz set a foundation for things to come. The Jazz have three selections in the 2023 NBA draft and could have as much as $49.1 million in cap space, but not every player will be part of that future.
Here's a look Utah's free agents — and potential free agents — heading into the offseason
Player options
Jordan Clarkson
Clarkson has a player option for $14.2 million for next season, but he'll likely test the free agency market after a career year. Clarkson averaged 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season (all career-highs) and showcased an improved all-around offensive game. It's clear he's set to get a raise — and that still could be with the Jazz.
Clarkson said he'd sit down with his agent and family sometime in the next couple months to decide what's best for him moving forward. He didn't comment specifically on re-signing with the Jazz, but did speak glowingly on his time in Utah.
"It's been amazing," Clarkson said. "Since I got here the first day, it's kind of just like eye opening just because of not knowing much about Utah and the organization, team, how people are — it's been amazing. A great time for me and my family. It's a place that we definitely call home. My brother lives out here now. My parents love coming back here. Every time they're visiting, they stay for a while. It's just been great. All love."
Talen Horton-Tucker
Horton-Tucker has a player option for $11 million for next season. A couple months ago, it looked like he and his camp would have had an easy decision, but after averaging 18.2 points, 6.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 19 games as a starter, there might be a market for the 22-year-old player.
"I'll talk to my agents and I'll let them do their job," he said. "Honestly, I really try to stay away from it. I really just listen to them; and I hired them because I feel like they'll lead me in the best direction."
That said, he'd be happy to stay with the Jazz.
"I loved it here," he said. "I got an opportunity here, and I'm appreciative of that. I don't know anybody who wouldn't love it."
Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay smiled when he was asked if he expected to be in Utah again this season.
"Let's be honest, I didn't expect to be here this year, so it is what it is," he said.
Gay assumed he'd be part of the trades the Jazz made over the summer and during the deadline, but, now, it's his choice whether or not to stay with Utah.
Gay has a player option for $6.5 million for next season; he won't get that if he hits free agency, but Gay has already made nearly $175 million during his 17-year career, so the decision might not come down to money.
"I've taken a liking to this team. I've taken a liking to the guys," Gay said. "Obviously, Will (Hardy) is somebody that I really want to see do well in this league, and I would love to be a part of this team, but I know how this works, so whatever happens happens.
"I don't think I'm done yet. It's crazy to say, but I still think I can get better," he continued. "For the most part, since I've been in a Utah Jazz jersey, I've been asked to do something I haven't really done in my career. I feel healthy. I had some crazy knickknacks this year — a broken nose, I tore muscle in my hand — I don't even know how you can do that. I still do think I have more in me."
Damian Jones
Jones has a player option for $2.5 milloin — not significantly more than what a minimum contract would look like for the backup center. He did say he plans on picking it up.
Jones played in 19 games since being traded to Utah at the deadline and averaged 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds. He also surprisingly shot 10-of-14 from 3-point range.
"I plan on coming back, but we'll see what's up," he said. "I'm willing to pick it up. I'm liking what's going on here. The culture, the teammates, the coaches, it's great."
Free agents
Udoka Azubuike (unrestricted free agent)
The Utah Jazz did not pick up the fourth-year option for their 2020 first-round pick, likely ending Azubuike's run with the team. The oft-injured big had his best stretch of his career to close the season, averaging 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in the last 12 games of the year. Will that be enough to keep him in the league? Time will tell.
Azubuike was not requested by the media for end-of-season availability.
Juan Toscano-Anderson (unrestricted free agent)
In 22 games for the Jazz, Toscano-Anderson averaged 3.4 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting just 17% from 3-point range. The 30-year-old swingman, who came to Utah as part of the Mike Conley trade, is not expected to be a high priority for the Jazz once free agency begins.
He did not have an end-of-season media availability.
Non-guaranteed players
Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk's contract for next season is only partially guaranteed, but after being a near-perfect lynchpin to the Jazz's offense, it's likely Utah will bring him back for next season — something Olynyk seems to be on board with.
"It was refreshing, a fresh breath of air to come here," Olynyk said. "Compete, start and contributed to some successes and try and help the young guys and then bring them along and grow and learn, but still play and compete at a high level."
Kris Dunn and Luka Samanic
Dunn and Samanic had similar paths to end the season. They both signed 10-day deals, they both earned contracts for the rest of the season, and they both ended up starting games over the final week.
Dunn and Samanic each have deals that included a non-guaranteed year in 2023-24. They are expected to compete for spots in training camp.
"I'm very excited for the summer, so coming into training camp, I'll be ready." Dunn said.
Added Samanic: "You don't get a second chance often, so everything that happened, happened for a reason. I wouldn't take it back at all, but I'm just very happy to be here."
Vernon Carey Jr.
If you just asked "who?" you're not alone. Carey Jr. was signed in the last week of the season and didn't appear in any games. The deal includes next season (likely non-guaranteed) and gives the Jazz a chance to get him into their program and develop the former Duke standout. ESPN reported the plan is for Carey to play with the Jazz Summer League team.
The 22-year-old center played in 11 games with the Washington Wizards this season before being waived.
