Report: Utah Jazz Plan To Sign Guard Denzel Valentine
Jan 9, 2022, 6:07 PM
Denzel Valentine #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks for a pass during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 15, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz plan to sign free agent guard Denzel Valentine, according to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
The basketball insider reported the news on Sunday, January 9.
“The Jazz plan to sign guard Denzel Valentine, pending his pass of Covid protocols, sources tell ESPN. Valentine played 22 games with the Cavaliers this season,” Wojnarowski tweeted.
Utah will add Valentine to a roster currently depleted by injuries and COVID-19.
The Jazz currently have four players on in NBA Health & Safety protocols. Those players are Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles, Rudy Gay, and Elijah Hughes.
The Jazz plan to sign guard Denzel Valentine, pending his pass of Covid protocols, sources tell ESPN. Valentine played 22 games with the Cavaliers this season. https://t.co/HGTvTkLUt5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2022
The Jazz reportedly planned to sign James Ennis III before pivoting to Valentine on Sunday afternoon.
According to @wojespn, the @utahjazz have opted not to sign Ennis III. https://t.co/agcrEH1RE4
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 10, 2022
Before his time in the NBA, Valentine was a standout player for the Michigan State Spartans. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
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After playing for the Bulls for four seasons, Valentine joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for 22 games earlier this season. He owns career averages of 7.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.1 blocks, and 0.6 steals in 18.9 minutes per game. This season, Valentine averaged 7.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 9.3 minutes per contest with the Cavs.
The Jazz have a record of 28-12 and sit in first place in the Northwest Division.
Utah’s next game is on the road against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, January 10 at 5 p.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and The Zone Sports Network.
