John Tonje signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz, allowing him to split time between Utah and the Salt Lake City Stars. The former Wisconsin standout joins a Jazz roster that sits at 19 players and must trim to 18 by October. Tonje impressed in summer league with 10 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.5 APG, including a 16-point debut against the Spurs, offering floor-stretching shooting and playmaking potential behind Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.

As Tonje works to earn NBA minutes, Utah’s depth chart features Ace Bailey, Cody Williams, and Kyle Anderson behind Markkanen and Kessler. The Jazz open the 2025-26 season against the Clippers, with high hopes to rebound from a 17-65 campaign. Tonje’s path will hinge on his ability to translate summer league shooting into NBA opportunities, likely via two-way assignments and spot duty with the Jazz.

A potential three-team trade is on the horizon, poised to reshape the Western Conference landscape. The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing dynamic talents Jonathan Kuminga and Walker Kessler, along with veteran Chris Boucher. In return, the Golden State Warriors would acquire the versatile Rui Hachimura, sharpshooting Maxi Kleber, and promising Kyle Filipowski. The Utah Jazz aim to enhance their draft capital with Moses Moody and Dalton Knecht, plus two first-round picks in 2028 and 2031.

This trade signifies a bold strategy from the Lakers, seeking to bolster their championship aspirations with young star power and defensive prowess as Kessler has emerged as a top rim protector. Kuminga's scoring and athleticism would complement LeBron James and the team’s offensive scheme. The Warriors, aiming to strengthen their interior presence, gain depth and flexibility, potentially setting themselves on a path back to contender status. Meanwhile, the Jazz are focusing on a youth-centric rebuild, adding valuable future assets.

The Golden State Warriors have had a quiet offseason as they look to bolster their roster around stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Despite selecting rookies Alex Toohey and Will Richard in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they have yet to make significant moves in free agency. The team is particularly focused on securing a center, with interest in veteran Al Horford, yet no commitments have been finalized. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga's decision remains pending, potentially impacting the Warriors' strategy.

As the market evolves, the Warriors are exploring trade options, particularly for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Reports indicate that the Jazz are demanding a hefty price of two first-round picks and a young player for Kessler, who had an impressive season averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. The Warriors may be reluctant to meet this asking price, opting instead to wait for a more favorable opportunity or pivot to alternate targets in the center market.

The Utah Jazz are at a crossroads as they prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft. With a rebuilding roster, the franchise is looking for a cornerstone player who can inspire hope among its fanbase. The current roster lacks a definitive future star, which was highlighted when asked if fans could confidently buy a jersey of any current player. Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler are key players, but their long-term status is uncertain.

The recent draft picks, including Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George, have not yet demonstrated the potential to be foundational figures for the team. The pressure is mounting on the Jazz to pull off a successful draft, especially with top prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go early. Missing out on this opportunity could lead to further disappointment and jeopardize the development of existing players like Hendricks and Cody Williams. The Jazz's journey towards contention may take time, but the upcoming draft is crucial for their future.