3 Utah Jazz Players Who Won't Be Back Next Season

The tank is mercifully at an end. The Utah Jazz have finished their season losing nine of their last 10 games and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference.

Ah, but better things await this team in the 2026-27 season. All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, who hasn't played in two months and got into just 42 games this year, will be back. Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr., was obtained in a trade deadline deal but only suited up for three games before going down for the season.

Add in exciting rookie Ace Bailey, along with Walker Kessler (if he's not traded), plus a top lottery pick in the 2026 Draft, and the Jazz have the makings of a pretty decent team for next season.

But there will be plenty of roster changes this offseason before they get there. Let's have a look at three Utah players who won't be back.

Kevin Love

Heading into free agency, it's obvious that the veteran's best days are in the rear-view mirror. He's played limited games and limited minutes over the past few seasons, though he proved in Utah that he can still be a solid veteran, leadership presence. But going into his age-38 season, it's unlikely that the Jazz will bring him back. Heck, he might even retire.

Oscar Tshiebwe

On a two-way contract for the past two years, Tshiebwe has certainly made his mark while playing an undersized center. But with JJJ, Kessler and Jusuf Nurkic returning next season, along with the undrafted Kyle Filipowski, there's simply no room for Tshiebwe in the big man rotation.

Kennedy Chandler

In the case of another fan favorite having to be let go, Chandler will hit free agency. Due to injuries to Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, the young point guard came in on a couple of 10-day deals and got his first big chance in the NBA. He was given plenty of run over 11 games and he made the most of it, averaging 15 points and 6.7 assists while shooting over 39% from three. Unfortunately, the Jazz had to let him go before their final game this past weekend, as they would have had to sign Chandler to a full contract to keep him around.

He was thrilled with the opportunity he got in Utah, and he showed enough that he should get a shot with another team on the free agent market.

"I was just so excited, because this is what I've been waiting for," Chandler said. "The grind in the G League, it's very hard. It makes you sometimes doubt yourself. Like, 'Do I still keep trying? Do I still keep pushing myself? Does anybody still have faith in me as a player?’"

Certainly, there will be some other teams that do this summer.