The Utah Jazz were granted a disabled player exception worth $2.9 million for forward Taylor Hendricks‘ season-ending leg and ankle injuries, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks is slated to earn $5.8 million this season based on his four-year, $25.35 million contract
Per Spotrac, a disabled player exception affords an NBA team spending power when it loses a player to a season-ending injury. The exception is worth either half of the injured player’s salary or the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, whichever is lesser.
Since Hendricks is set earn $5.8 million this season, the exception is worth half that amount. The exception can be used to sign a free agent, claim a player off waivers, or acquire a player in a trade.
Sources: The Jazz have been granted a $2.924 million disabled player exception due to Taylor Hendricks’ season-ending injury.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 16, 2024
Furthermore, a disabled player exception can only be used to sign a player to a rest-of-season contract. The remainder-of-season condition also exists in trades and waiver claims.
The exception is meant for one player and can only be utilized for a one-year deal. Any player acquired via trade or waiver claim must have just one year remaining on his contract.
Hendricks, who turns 21 on Nov. 22, suffered a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle midway through the third quarter of a 110-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 28.
Hendricks suffered the noncontact injuries away from the ball
The 6-foot-9 Hendricks lost his footing while running down the court and landed awkwardly. The noncontact injuries occurred away from the ball. Hendricks was wheeled off the floor on a stretcher.
His surgery was performed at the University of Utah’s Orthopedic Center in Salt Lake City, according to reports. He is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2025 offseason.
The Jazz selected Hendricks ninth overall in the 2023 NBA draft out of Central Florida. In 40 games as a rookie (23 starts), he averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field.
The second-year forward started in three games for Utah this season, averaging 4.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 25 minutes per contest. The Florida native also shot 22.2% from the floor and 75% at the free throw line.
Utah picked up his 2025-26 option worth $6.12 million last month.
