Jazz waive former 2nd round pick Jarrell Brantley

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz waived forward Jarrell Brantley Thursday, the team announced.

Brantley, a second-round pick in the 2019 NBA draft, played 37 games for the Jazz through two seasons.

Brantley showed promise early after being taken with the 50th pick in 2019. He impressed during the 2019 Summer League and was named to the All-NBA G League team following his rookie season after averaging 18.8 points and 7.6 rebounds with the Salt Lake City Stars.

That earned him a second two-way deal with the Jazz last season; but his second professional season proved more difficult than his first. Without the G League to fall back to, Brantley was stuck on the back of the bench, only getting minutes during garbage time with the Jazz.

Utah still showed some confidence in him, though, and extended Brantley a qualifying offer for the 2021-22 season heading into free agency. The offer guaranteed Brantley about $84,000. The forward accepted it — a sign that showed he didn't think there would be much of a market for his services. Even waived, Brantley will receive that money.

The Jazz, meanwhile, chose to sacrifice that $84,000 to free up a roster spot. Utah's roster now stands at 14, one less than the league maximum for a standard roster (the Jazz can also have two two-way players).

The open roster spot could be beneficial for the team in a couple ways: The Jazz, who are deep in the luxury tax, could leave it unfilled in order to save some money, or Utah could use it to be a player in the buyout market.