Patty Mills Joins Utah Jazz on One-Year Deal: 16th NBA Season Ahead for Veteran PG

After a remarkable performance on the international stage, seasoned point guard Patty Mills has inked a one-year, fully guaranteed contract with the Utah Jazz worth $3.3 million, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

International Spotlight

The 36-year-old Mills made headlines with his impressive showing during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he averaged 16.5 points per game for Australia, leading the team to the quarterfinals. Although they faced defeat against Serbia, Mills' buzzer-beater at the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime, highlighted his clutch performance on the global stage.

Mills, a second-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009, is set to embark on his 16th NBA season with the Jazz, marking his sixth franchise in a distinguished career. His previous stops include the San Antonio Spurs, where he captured a championship in 2014, along with stints at the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat. The Australian veteran has also showcased his skills overseas in China and his home country, Australia.

Role with the Utah Jazz

With the Utah Jazz signing Mills, questions arise regarding his role in the team. Mills' participation last season with the Hawks and Heat was limited to just 32 games, raising speculation about his contributions going forward. Nevertheless, the fully guaranteed nature of the contract indicates that the Jazz see value in his presence, whether as an active contributor or a mentor to the young guards in the locker room.

The addition of Mills adds to an already crowded backcourt in Utah. The projected starting point guard position will likely see last year's first-round pick, Keyonte George, alongside Collin Sexton, while Jordan Clarkson is expected to solidify the sixth-man role. The backcourt depth also includes last season's No. 29 overall pick Isaiah Collier, as well as recent signings Johnny Juzang and Svi Mykhailiuk.