The Utah Jazz took the uncertainty out of Keyonte George’s future a few weeks before the 2026-27 NBA season, locking up the young guard on a five-year, $157.5 million extension. For Will Hardy, it was more than a roster move. It was the latest chapter in a relationship that has been growing since George first entered the league.
Hardy said the extension carries meaning on both sides. Utah is investing in a player it believes in, but George is also making his own commitment to the organization that drafted him.
“This is not just a commitment from our team to him. This is his commitment to us,” Hardy said.
“In my time here, this is the first player that we've drafted and now resigned. This is a moment of pride for our staff from a development standpoint...
But, in particular, our fan base should be really proud.”
“You guys have known Key since he was 19, and you're going to get to be a part of the next six years of his his journey.”
George, who was the 16th-overall pick out of Baylor in the 2023 NBA Draft, has gone from an unproven rookie to a central piece of Utah’s rebuild. His path has included rough stretches, growth, and a breakout year three, and Hardy has been close to that process every step of the way.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of Key's journey,” Hardy said of George following his extension. “He's obviously a very talented basketball player, but the best part of this job is you get to know the human beings, and I couldn't be more proud of the player [and] of the young man that he's becoming. And, I say the word 'becoming' intentionally, because he's nowhere near his potential as a person or a player.”
Hardy also pointed to the way the two of them connected over time. Their bond didn’t click instantly, but once it did, the conversations got more honest and more productive.
“Key and I's relationship got really good when we realized that we're very similar,” Hardy continued. “We're both hard-headed.
We both can be a little emotional. Neither of us trusts very easily.
And I think once we were able to recognize that in each other, we've been able to have some really truthful conversations that are a two-way street.”
“We've butted heads plenty, but I'm so proud of who Key is and who he continues to be.”
After three seasons of steady progress, George now has the kind of security that clears the path for both player and team. The Jazz have their answer.
Hardy has his homegrown guard. And, in his view, George is still only beginning to tap into what he can become.
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