HUGE LOST: Jazz’s key man loses huge contract due to robbery
Utah Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker is preparing to seek a new contract in the NBA as he approaches free agency. However, before securing a new deal, he has already experienced a significant financial setback. His home was reportedly burglarized, with the suspects stealing jewelry valued at approximately $170,000, according to TMZ Sports.
“A Los Angeles-area home belonging to NBA guard Talen Horton-Tucker was broken into earlier this week … and law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports cops believe the suspect made off with $170,000 in jewelry.”
While no footage of the incident has been made available yet, TMZ Sports reported that at least part of the burglary was caught on camera. The video shows the thief entering the property by jumping over a back fence and leaving through one of the residence’s side yards.
Despite being a wealthy professional athlete, losing such valuable possessions is undoubtedly painful. Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident, as Horton-Tucker was not at home at the time. The burglary was discovered by a house sitter and subsequently reported to the police. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the break-in, according to TMZ Sports.
Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker’s NBA free agency outlook
Talen Horton-Tucker is one of several Utah Jazz players with expiring contracts. Other Jazz players set to become either restricted or unrestricted free agents include Kira Lewis Jr., Kris Dunn, Luka Samanic, and Micah Potter. Horton-Tucker, a former Iowa State Cyclone, joined the Jazz in the summer of 2022 when he was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers along with Stanley Johnson for Patrick Beverley. The Jazz also received a trade exception in that deal.
There is no guarantee that the Jazz will retain Horton-Tucker, as he might receive a more lucrative offer from another team than Utah is willing to match. For the 2023-24 NBA season, Horton-Tucker remained with the Jazz by exercising his $11.02 million player option. However, after an underwhelming 2023-24 season, securing a long-term contract with an average annual value exceeding $10 million could be challenging. The Jazz do hold Horton-Tucker’s bird rights, which could influence their decision.
Horton-Tucker, selected by the Orlando Magic in the second round (46th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft, has primarily served as a backup guard for the Jazz over the past two seasons. In 116 games with Utah, he has averaged 10.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
While Horton-Tucker can contribute in various ways, his offensive efficiency is a concern. He has a career field goal percentage of 42.3% and has made just 29.3% of his three-point attempts. His career effective field goal percentage stands at 47.2%, with a true shooting percentage of 51.3%.
At just 23 years old, Horton-Tucker still has potential. The Jazz might choose to keep him, hoping he develops into a more effective player at a potentially reasonable cost.