The Utah Jazz have stayed busy since learning of Gordon Hayward’s decision to leave the team to sign with the Celtics. On Wednesday, they agreed to terms with free-agent big man Jonas Jerebko on a two-year contract worth $8.2 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Jerebko was the team’s second reported signing on Wednesday, as they also agreed to terms with wing defender Thabo Sefolosha.
Last season, Jerebko played for the Boston Celtics, averaging 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in limited minutes. He may be given a bigger role in Utah due to his 34.6 percent shooting from three, something the team needs dearly with the departure of Hayward and George Hill.
With reports that the Jazz may be moving on from Boris Diaw after one year (and Trey Lyles’ departure earlier this summer), Jerebko’s role becomes even more clear as the backup power forward behind Derrick Favors. The Jazz do not often play Favors and Gobert together, so Jerebko can be the alternate big alongside either of the two starters.
If the Jazz are to reach the postseason in their first year without Hayward, they will need plenty of contributions from Jerebko.
