Free agent center Jusuf Nurkic will sign a two-year, $22 million contract to rejoin the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN sources. The 12-year veteran played well in coach Will Hardy's system last season and was drawn to Utah's revamped roster. Jazz officials completed the deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul on Monday.

With Walker Kessler sidelined for most of last season, Nurkic stepped into the starting center role and delivered strong numbers. He averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, joining an elite group of just three players to achieve that statistical feat. His playmaking from the center position gave Utah's offense a different dimension when Kessler couldn't contribute.

Nurkic's career has taken him to five different franchises, but fans remember him most from his Portland days alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. That experience in meaningful playoff games should help a young Jazz team looking to take the next step after several rebuilding seasons.

The move signals Utah's push to compete immediately rather than continue developing through the draft. Nurkic's proven production and veteran leadership fill a specific need in the frontcourt rotation.