Golden State seeks frontcourt depth, but Utah could hijack those plans. A third stint for Georges Niang offers the Jazz veteran leadership and elite perimeter shooting.
Georges Niang and Kelly Olynyk could each continue their NBA careers with the Golden State Warriors.
But what if the Utah Jazz interrupted those plans by pursuing a reunion with one of their former players?
Golden State has shown interest in signing both veterans to minimum contracts, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. The Warriors have two standard roster spots available and need additional depth.
Utah could technically offer either player an extremely familiar alternative.
Niang spent four seasons with the Jazz between 2017 and 2021 before briefly returning to the organization last summer. Olynyk appeared in 118 games for Utah from 2022 until the Jazz traded him to the Toronto Raptors in February 2024.
If Utah had to choose one ... the answer should be Niang.
Niang never played during his second stint with the Jazz after suffering a stress reaction in the fourth metatarsal of his left foot during offseason training. He remained sidelined until Utah included him in the February blockbuster that brought Jaren Jackson Jr. to Salt Lake City.
Memphis subsequently waived him.
A third Niang tenure would therefore represent Utah’s second opportunity to actually put him back on the court.
But his greatest value could come ... elsewhere.
The 33-year-old understands the organization, became a fan favorite during his original Jazz tenure and could bring another trusted veteran into a locker room attempting to transition from rebuilding to competing.
He can still shoot, too.
Niang owns a career 39.9 percent conversion rate from behind the arc and made 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers during his last healthy season. Assuming his foot has completely healed, Utah could do considerably worse when filling the end of its roster.
Olynyk would also provide floor spacing and familiarity with Will Hardy’s system.
But where would either veteran play?
The Jazz already built their frontcourt around Jackson and Lauri Markkanen. Kyle Filipowski requires developmental minutes behind them, while Jusuf Nurkic, Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba give Hardy three additional options at center.
Niang would encounter similar congestion at forward, where Utah must continue evaluating Ace Bailey and Cody Williams.
Giving regular minutes to Niang or Olynyk would mean removing them from someone the Jazz have invested in developing — or from a veteran already signed to fill the same role.
That defeats the purpose of either reunion.
Niang would be the better choice because his connection with the organization could extend beyond whatever minutes remained available. Olynyk’s best attributes overlap too heavily with players already positioned ahead of him.
Yet selecting the preferable option doesn't make signing him necessary.
Both former Jazz players could help another team. Utah’s improved depth simply means neither is equipped to help enough.
