Oscar Tshiebwe Returns to Utah Jazz on Another Two-Way Contract

Oscar Tshiebwe Returns to Utah Jazz on Another Two-Way Contract

The “Big O” is back in Salt Lake City. Former Kentucky star and rebounding machine Oscar Tshiebwe has re-signed with the Utah Jazz on another two-way contract, keeping one of the most dominant glass-eaters in basketball right where he’s made a name for himself at the professional level.

NBA Production in Limited Minutes

Tshiebwe appeared in 14 games with Utah last season, even making one start. Despite limited opportunities, he showcased the same relentless motor that made him a fan favorite in Lexington. He averaged 7.6 points per game on an efficient 60 percent shooting while pulling down 8.7 rebounds in just 18.2 minutes of action. That included eight games of 10-plus rebounds and four double-doubles proof that his rebounding dominance translates no matter the stage or role.

A Record-Breaking G League Season

While Jazz fans got a glimpse of his potential in the NBA, Tshiebwe absolutely dominated with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League. He led the entire league in every rebounding category, averaging a jaw-dropping 19.0 rebounds per game, broken down into 10.7 on the defensive end and 8.3 on the offensive glass.

His full stat line was equally impressive: 17.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 steals across 42 games, all starts. The highlights of his season were historic:

• Eight 20-20 games, the most ever in a single G League season.
• 305 offensive rebounds, the most in league history.
• A 30-rebound performance on March 3, becoming just the third player in G League history to hit that milestone.

For his efforts, Tshiebwe earned 2025 All-NBA G League First Team honors and cemented himself as one of the most unique talents in the developmental league.

Kentucky Legend Turned Pro Grinder

Of course, none of this comes as a surprise to those who watched him dominate college basketball. At Kentucky, Tshiebwe became the school’s first Consensus National Player of the Year since Anthony Davis, winning the award in 2022. He followed that up with another All-American campaign in 2023, finishing his two years in Lexington with averages of 17.0 points and nearly 15 rebounds per game.

He was the SEC Player of the Year in 2022 and a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection, building a legacy that Wildcat fans still revere.

What His Two-Way Deal Means

By signing a two-way contract, Tshiebwe can appear in up to 50 NBA games for the Jazz during the 2025-26 season, while spending the rest of the year in the G League. Two-way deals are reserved for players with three or fewer years of NBA service time and allow teams to develop talent while still having them available for the main roster.

Financially, it’s a modest arrangement compared to a standard NBA deal—worth half the value of a minimum contract, about $636,435 in 2025-26, with up to $318,218 guaranteed if he remains on the roster into opening night. But for Tshiebwe, it’s another opportunity to prove himself in the league.

The Big O’s Next Chapter

Tshiebwe’s journey has always been defined by persistence. From his legendary rebounding at Kentucky to rewriting the G League record books, he has shown an unmatched commitment to mastering his craft. With another year in Utah, he’ll look to carve out a bigger role in the NBA and show once again that his production and especially his work on the boards is impossible to ignore.

For the Jazz, it’s a low-risk, high-reward deal. For Tshiebwe, it’s another step forward in a professional career that continues to defy the odds.