Tamar Bates mug

Tamar Bates

Courtesy of Mizzou Athletics
Mizzou senior guard Tamar Bates celebrates a Tiger victory (copy) (copy)

Then-Mizzou guard Tamar Bates celebrates a win over Vanderbilt in 2025. Bates reportedly is set to sign a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz.

Mallory Pool/Missourian

Former Missouri guard Tamar Bates is getting another opportunity in the NBA.

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Utah Jazz plan to sign Bates to a two-way contract after an impressive season in the NBA G League.

Bates spent the 2025-26 season in the Denver organization on a two-way deal before a foot injury sidelined him. Prior to the injury, he emerged as one of the G League’s most efficient scorers, averaging 19.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 55% from the field and 44% from 3-point range.

The new deal gives Bates another chance to develop as he continues his pursuit of a full-time roster spot.

Bates finished his collegiate career at Missouri as one of the program’s most accomplished guards in recent years. During the 2024-25 season, he earned All-SEC honors after averaging 13.3 points per game and helping lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament.

The Kansas City, Kansas, product became a key piece of coach Dennis Gates’ program during his two seasons in Columbia, appearing in 69 games while providing perimeter shooting, defensive versatility and veteran leadership. Bates scored 1,221 career points across his four seasons at Indiana and Missouri and was widely regarded as one of the Tigers’ most reliable players during their resurgence.

Now healthy and coming off a productive G League campaign, Bates will look to turn his latest two-way opportunity into a permanent role in the NBA.