Currently down several players in health and safety protocols, the Utah Jazz are in need of wing depth. As such, they signed one of the best free agent wings on the market over the weekend.
As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Utah is planning on signing Denzel Valentine to a 10-day hardship contract.
Valentine was recently waived by the New York Knicks following a three-team trade between them, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. In his fifth season, he’s proven to be a solid rotational piece, spending time with both the Chicago Bulls and Cavaliers.
Through 22 games this season in Cleveland, Valentine averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in just 9.3 minutes per contest. Those are each career lows for the veteran, as it’s been the smallest role he’s ever played.
The 28-year-old will now get the chance to prove he’s a valuable piece during this short stint with the Jazz. A 6-foot-4 wing, Valentine is a career 36.0% shooter from beyond the arc, which makes him attractive to contending teams like Utah.
The Jazz are currently 28-12, sitting at third in the Western Conference.