Farewell to the Rockets! Okogie Confirms Signing with Jazz: New Contract Worth $12 Million Over 2 Years

On July 4th, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, sources revealed that free agent swingman Josh Okogie has reached a two-year, $12 million signing contract with the Utah Jazz.

Okogie is a high-quality wing defender who shot 38.5% from three-point range during his time with the Houston Rockets last season. After weighing offers from multiple interested teams, he and his agent Calvin Andrews officially finalized the move to Utah tonight.

Standing 1.93 meters tall and weighing 97 kilograms, Okogie is a swingman who was selected with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Throughout his eight-year NBA career, he has played for the Timberwolves, Suns, Hornets, and Rockets, consistently establishing himself as a top-tier defensive wing. With an exceptional 2.13-meter wingspan and impressive lateral quickness, he can guard positions one through four, excelling at harassing the opponent's primary ball handler. His standout abilities in steals, contesting shots, and boxing out for rebounds have led to a career-high of five steals in a single game. He has frequently been tasked with defending All-Stars such as Ja Morant, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing maximum physical toughness.

Early in his career, his three-point shooting was inefficient, earning him the label of a "spacing liability." However, during his stint with the Rockets last season, he underwent a shooting transformation, boosting his three-point percentage to 38.5% and significantly improving his spot-up shooting consistency. This has allowed him to perfectly transition into a standard 3-and-D player. He averaged 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game last season, providing high-quality defense and reliable floor spacing off the bench.

Offensively, he does not demand the ball, focusing instead on transition fast breaks, corner three-pointers, and finishing at the rim. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate is limited, but he boasts an excellent professional attitude, consistent availability, and a strong reputation in the locker room. On the international stage, he has represented the Nigerian men's basketball team in the World Cup and Olympic Games, delivering numerous key defensive plays.

With this signing, Okogie will serve as the Jazz's backup wing, providing perimeter defensive toughness and reliable three-point shooting to address the team's rotational defensive shortcomings. The two-year contract offers excellent value.