The Utah Jazz have made a splash in the 2026 NBA Draft, snagging Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick. But the Jazz's offseason journey is just beginning. With free agency looming next week, Utah has a prime opportunity to bolster its roster, especially with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception at their disposal.
One area that might demand attention is the center position. As it stands, Utah doesn't have any centers under contract for the upcoming season. While Walker Kessler is expected to return, the futures of Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love remain uncertain.
Should the Jazz part ways with Nurkic, Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers could be a prime target. Williams, who was originally drafted by Danny Ainge during his time with the Boston Celtics, offers a defensive presence that could benefit Utah's frontcourt and second unit.
If the Jazz manage to secure Nurkic for another season, the urgency to find additional big men might lessen. Between Nurkic, Kyle Filipowski, and the versatility of their starting frontcourt, Utah could maintain a solid presence at center.
However, without Nurkic, the Jazz would need to inject some size into their rotation. This scenario presents an opportunity to address their defensive shortcomings, a lingering issue over recent seasons. Enter Robert Williams, who, despite injury challenges, has proven to be a defensive powerhouse when healthy.
In Portland, Williams enjoyed one of his healthier seasons, playing 59 games and averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just over 17 minutes per game. Standing at 6-foot-9 and 249 pounds, he may be slightly undersized for a traditional center, but his 7-foot-6 wingspan and athletic prowess compensate for it. His ability to switch defensively and cover ground quickly makes him a valuable asset.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Williams’ presence on the court last season resulted in the Blazers allowing 4.3 fewer points defensively and opponents shooting 3.8% worse per 100 possessions. These stats placed him in the 85th and 94th percentile league-wide, underscoring his impact.
Williams might not fit the traditional size mold the Jazz have favored, but with the length already present on the roster, he brings a much-needed defensive boost. A short-term, low-risk deal could be the perfect fit, likely falling under their full mid-level exception of $15 million.
As the Jazz navigate their offseason strategy, Robert Williams III is a name to watch. His potential addition could provide the defensive depth Utah needs to elevate their game. Keep an eye on this developing story as the Jazz continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season.
In Other News...
Jazz Just Sent Kyle Filipowski Into A Familiar Utah Squeeze
Kyle Filipowskis path in Utah already looks a lot tighter than it did a few months ago. The Jazz have been busy adding frontcourt bodies, bringing in Micah Handlogten and Jaxon Kohler at the same position, while also signaling they plan to keep Walker Kessler around as a long-term piece. When a young big is still on a rookie-scale timeline, that kind of roster churn can change the conversation fast, especially for a player whose future was supposed to be tied to the teams next stage.
The squeeze could get even more obvious if Utah follows through on its veteran plans. Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love are both in the mix to return, which would give the Jazz more experienced options and make minutes harder to come by for Filipowski if he sticks around through 2026-27. Even the jersey assignment has hinted at a shifting picture, with his number quickly handed to rookie Darryn Peterson just days after the draft. [Read more 🡒]
Jazz Suddenly Entering A Free Agency Conversation Fans Cannot Ignore
The 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, and the league already looks different after a wave of headline moves, from AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson going at the top to Giannis Antetokounmpo being shipped from Milwaukee to Miami. With LaMelo Ball and Julius Randle among the other names changing teams, the early read on the offseason is clear: clubs that want to matter in the next free agency cycle are trying to get their books, core and timing lined up now, and Utah is very much in that group.
For the Jazz, the conversation is less about chasing a splashy name than making sure the next step is a meaningful one. A young core built around Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey and rookie Darryn Peterson gives the front office a real structure to work with, but it also raises the stakes on every decision from here. If the Jazz can keep that group moving in the right direction, they can stay patient. If not, the upcoming market could force them to consider a different kind of move than they had planned. [Read more 🡒]