Just before the free agency period began, the Utah Jazz and the Charlotte Hornets agreed on a trade sending starting guard Collin Sexton and a future second-round draft pick to the Hornets, in return for veteran center Jusuf Nurkic.
This transaction seems puzzling for the Jazz, but let’s delve into the details.
This is to me the defining Collin Sexton play, Jazz told Sexton to shadow Brunson all night long and he took the role more seriously than any player ever has (yes, perhaps too seriously, which is also the Collin Sexton experience) https://t.co/LVxFo4zQa2
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) June 29, 2025
Initially, it’s surprising that the Jazz had to include a second-round pick along with Sexton, who is on an expiring contract, to acquire a less favorable player with a more costly contract. This trade seems to reflect Sexton’s perceived value in the league, despite his abilities. Unfortunately, 6’1″ combo guards are not highly valued in the league, particularly those with limited defensive skills.
To put it in perspective, Anfernee Simons, who has comparable statistics to Sexton and shares similar age and player profile, was recently traded to Boston along with multiple second-round picks for Jrue Holiday. Although Holiday is a superior player compared to Nurkic, he also has a significant contract, owing over $100 million over the next three years, covering his ages 35-37 seasons. On the other hand, the nearly 31-year-old Nurkic is on an expiring contract.
It’s unfortunate that the Jazz couldn’t secure a higher return for Sexton, a player who has become a fan favorite during his time in Utah. However, with Sexton’s contract expiring after the 2025-26 NBA season, the Jazz were under pressure to make a move.
This trade does provide a clear benefit for the Jazz: it creates a better balance and opens up opportunities on their roster. Over the past three drafts, the Jazz have brought in Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and now Walter Clayton Jr. With no major changes expected in the backcourt, these young players should now have a clearer path to significant playing time this season.
Moreover, Nurkic adds depth to the center position behind Walker Kessler. Prior to the trade, the Jazz had a few players who could temporarily fill in as centers, but lacked someone who was a natural fit for the role. While it’s evident that Nurkic may no longer be a starter-caliber center, he still brings valuable experience and leadership to a young squad.
Nurkic’s size will be invaluable for setting solid screens to aid Utah’s young guards. He’s also a proficient rebounder and offers a strong presence in the paint, in addition to being an unselfish passer, which will benefit the Jazz. This move mirrors last year’s acquisition of veteran center Drew Eubanks, who was brought in to provide similar skills.
Although it might be hard to see Sexton leave, he’s joining a Hornets team that appears to be making a push in the Eastern Conference. This gives him a chance to strive for a playoff appearance and potentially secure a lucrative contract in the coming year.
In essence, including a second-round pick in a trade to achieve better roster balance isn’t ideal. However, sometimes compromises are necessary to achieve broader team goals, and this deal is a testament to that.
We’ll have to wait and see what other transactions may follow, but this initial deal of the offseason sends a clear signal: the Jazz are committed to giving their young players ample space to develop and prove themselves.
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