Jackson: Used ‘wrong words’ in DeSean defense

The Utah Jazz and head coach Will Hardy have agreed to a six-year contract extension. Hardy will now be under contract with Utah through at least the 2030-31 season.

“I’m humbled and honored,” Hardy said. “This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I’m so excited.”

In three years as the Jazz head coach, Hardy has gone 85-161. However, that record is not an accurate reflection of Hardy’s coaching ability.

In each of his first two seasons, Hardy had Utah in position to compete for a spot in the postseason. The team chose to pivot towards draft position each season.

This year was a rebuilding and development year from the jump. Utah enters the lottery as one of the three teams with the best odds at securing the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

James Harden has an intriguing decision this offseason where he appears to be choosing between re-signing with the Philadelphia 76ers where he can continue to compete for a title in the Eastern Conference, or return to the Houston Rockets in a rebuilding situation in a place that may be more agreeable for him on a personal level.

“I don’t know what Harden is going to do,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast. “God only knows. I don’t know what the hell James Harden is going to do.

“The Rockets think he’s coming, but go on,” replied Tim MacMahon.

“I know the Rockets think he’s coming,” said Lowe.

Harden requested a trade from the Rockets in 2020 and was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021 before requesting a second trade in 2022 to the Sixers.

Harden re-signed with the Sixers this past offseason on a two-year, $68.6 million deal.

Harden is reportedly “very serious” about returning to the Rockets.