Former Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje inked a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.
While the terms of the contract were not disclosed by the organization, Tonje has officially earned a roster spot in Utah. The two-way deal will allow him to split time between the Jazz and its G-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, this season.
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Utah selected the former Badger standout with the No. 53 overall pick of the 2025 NBA draft in June. He appeared in a pair of summer league contests this preseason and averaged 10 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, donning NBA threads for the first time in a competitive setting.
In his summer league debut, the second-round draft pick registered 16 points, three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes of action against the Spurs. He also went 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, showcasing a similar knack to connect from deep as he did in his one year as a Badger.
With Tonje’s signing, the Jazz now boast 19 names on their 2025-26 roster ahead of opening day this fall. The organization will need to whittle that cohort down to 18 ahead of the October deadline. Tonje sits behind Ace Bailey, Cody Williams and Kyle Anderson on Utah’s depth chart as of Aug. 28.
Both Bailey and former Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr., who accompanied Tonje as 2025 draftees, were also included in Utah’s early depth chart. With forward Lauri Markkanen and center Walker Kessler at the helm, the Jazz will look to rebound in 2025-26 following an NBA-worst 17-65 mark a season ago.
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Utah will open the 2025-26 regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 22 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Basketball John Tonje Utah Jazz contract sign