Keyonte George's Extension Was a Move For the Future Prosperity of the Utah Jazz

· Yahoo Sports

The Utah Jazz are putting their faith in fourth-year guard Keyonte George with a five-year, $157 million extension.

It's a big vote of confidence in the young guard's ability, and an indicator that the Jazz view Keyonte George as the team's point guard of the future following a magnificent third-year leap from the Baylor product.

I also view Keyonte as a must-keep player for this Utah Jazz team, and not just because he was really good on the court last season.

As a leader, a teammate, and a player, Keyonte has locked into the best version of himself. 

It's truly been inspirational to see his off-court transformation bleed into his on-court production. Not that he was a liability or problem in the locker room -- not at all -- but the way Keyonte has assumed the role as the team's representative, a binding line to new players and his young peers, and a more coachable, humble basketball player has been incredible.

He's exactly what this Jazz team has needed -- turning himself from a mid-first-round pick into one of the most intriguing young guards in the entire NBA.

Extending his contract was a major point of emphasis for the Jazz this offseason -- especially when extensions for Amen and Ausaur Thompson, along with George's classmates from the 2023 Draft, are getting substantial deals inked with their respective teams.

Austin Ainge spoke on the significance of finalizing Keyonte's extension right now.

"We're trying to compete at a higher level. That was part of the motivation. We didn't want Keyonte worried about stats or a contract. As we turn the corner, shots and stats can go up and down. We just want the whole team focused on winning."

No player options, no team options, but plenty of incentive-based bonuses; George's extension is a deal made in good faith between the player and the team. It's a mutually beneficial relationship, and one that both sides have fully bought into.

It's worth mentioning that, while the Jazz hoped to extend Walker Kessler this offseason, the pair weren't able to reach an agreeable figure. George's deal was done without a hitch, and that is massive for team chemistry.

Utah has their core of the future locked up, with every player in the projected starting lineup having at least three years remaining on their current deal. The rebuild has all led up to this. I introduce to you, the Utah Jazz for years to come, headlined by newly-extended Keyonte George.

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