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Here is why the Utah Jazz waived center Mo Bamba, and who will replace him

Bamba was on a 10-day contract with the Jazz.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Mo Bamba as the Utah Jazz host the Portland Trail Blazers, NBA basketball in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Mo Bamba as the Utah Jazz host the Portland Trail Blazers, NBA basketball in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

The Utah Jazz are waiving center Mo Bamba before the end of his 10-day contract and signing another player for their upcoming road trip.

Bamba contracted an illness that prevented him from traveling with the team to Portland, Sacramento and Minnesota over the next week. His 10-day contract would have run out over that time, meaning the Jazz had to move on.

In his place, Utah signed former Yale guard Bez Mbeng to a 10-day contract. Mbeng played for the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate.

Bamba appeared in two games for the Jazz this month against Philadelphia and Washington. He averaged five points and 10 rebounds in those spots.

Bamba, a former lottery pick, is in his eighth professional season out of Texas.

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