Mo Bamba has earned an opportunity to fire up another run in the NBA.
On Thursday, it was reported that Bamba would be joining the Utah Jazz ahead of the team’s training camp in preparation for the 2025-2026 NBA season. For now, the details of the deal are undisclosed.
via @MikeAScotto: The Utah Jazz and Mo Bamba have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The former sixth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft has averaged 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in seven NBA seasons combined with the Magic, 76ers, Clippers, Lakers, and Pelicans.
The Utah Jazz and Mo Bamba have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The former sixth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft has averaged 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in seven NBA seasons combined with the Magic, 76ers, Clippers, Lakers, and Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/6sYOas62in
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 25, 2025
Bamba’s most recent run in the NBA was with the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran center appeared in just four games for the Pelicans, averaging 15.3 minutes on the court.
The veteran center produced 2.5 points per game and came down with 6.3 rebounds per game. He made 44 percent of his shots from the field.
The run with the Jazz will be an opportunity for Bamba to get back on track. Back when he entered the league in 2018, Bamba was one of the most intiguing prospects coming out of Texas.
Dec 28, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba (11) blocks a shot by Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Rookie Scale Contract – Magic
The first four seasons of Bamba’s NBA career were spent with the Orlando Magic. When he first got on board, he was a sixth-overall pick who started as a reserve. In 47 games, he came off the bench for all but one of those matchups. The young center averaged 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
There wouldn’t be a starting position in place for Bamba over the next two years. It wasn’t until his fourth season with the Magic that Bamba earned 69 starts in 71 games. With his playing time exceeding over 25 minutes per game, Bamba averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Mar 1, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Mo Bamba (12) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Veteran Contract – Magic/Lakers
During the 2022-2023 season, Bamba appeared in 40 games with the Magic. Once again, he was back in a bench role, seeing the court for just 17 minutes per game. The Los Angeles Lakers snagged Bamba in a four-team trade. They hoped the young center could be a critical addition ahead of their playoff run.
The Lakers didn’t get much use out of Bamba. He appeared in nine regular-season games, seeing the court for 9.8 minutes per game. In the playoffs, he averaged 3.4 minutes in three matchups. The Lakers didn’t bring Bamba back for a second go-round. He was waived in June 2023.
Mar 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Mo Bamba (5) reacts in front of LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) after scoring during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Veteran Contract – 76ers
Bamba was brought on by the Sixers to serve as a potential backup to the MVP-winning Joel Embiid. The veteran center played in 57 games, even picking up 17 starts. With just 13 minutes of action, Bamba averaged 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The veteran center hit the free agency market by choice when his deal expired.
Dec 31, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; LA Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) shoots over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Veteran Contract – Clippers
The Clippers were hoping to get more out of Bamba. He started his tenure with an injury, and couldn’t find the right fit with the team. After making 28 appearances, Bamba was traded to the Utah Jazz. The Jazz didn’t plan to keep him around. Therefore, he was waived once again.
10-Day – Pelicans
The Pelicans had Bamba around to play with their NBA G League affiliate in Birmingham. He had a 10-Day deal last season, but it didn’t translate into anything beyond that. After appearing in four games, the Pelicans allowed the deal to expire, and Bamba was on his way.
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