John Tonje is all smiles as he signs his NBA deal with the Utah Jazz

Former Badger John Tonje has officially signed his NBA deal with the Utah Jazz. The social media team for Utah posted pictures of the signing, and Tonje was all smiles from ear to ear. As an NBA dream seemed far away this time last year, he lit the college basketball world on fire with his impressive play for the University of Wisconsin.

John Tonje agrees to a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz

Related: Former Badger John Tonje gives Wisconsin fans one more big reason to love him

For Tonje, he signed what many expected him to sign, a two-way contract. This means that he will be able to play for both the G League Salt Lake City Stars and the Utah Jazz, depending on availability and need. It will be determined by the Jazz when and where the Jazz will play throughout the 2025-2026 season.

This was the expected outcome, as many second-round picks sign a two-way deal, and Tonje didn't exactly light up the NBA Summer League. He showed flashes of brilliance, but also showed he's a rookie in the NBA. He will need a little bit of time to get his legs under him as he adjusts to the NBA.

This is exactly what the G-League is for, but the contract allows him to come up and play for the Jazz when needed. The Jazz has a very young team and one that will be going through growing pains, so he could find himself playing more for the Jazz than many think right now.

The exact terms of the contract were not released, as the Jazz, "per team policy." However, a two-way contract is half of a rookie minimum, which in 2026 is reported at $636,435. The significant difference between Tonje's contract and the other two-way contracts may lie in the guarantees and signing bonuses, among other factors.

It's good to see the former Badger sign his contract. The next step is to make it a regular contract and tear up the NBA like he did the college level.