Spartan duo get their shot: Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper sign NBA contracts

Michigan State’s veteran frontcourt is officially headed to the professional ranks.

After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, former Spartan big men Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper quickly secured NBA opportunities, rewarding the work they put into anchoring Michigan State's frontcourt under Tom Izzo. Although neither heard his name called on draft night, both have earned legitimate opportunities to begin professional basketball careers.

The more immediate opportunity belongs to Cooper, who signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. A two-way contract allows players to split time between the NBA club and its G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, giving them a chance to develop while remaining available for NBA action. Two-way players can appear in up to 50 NBA regular-season games, and teams are limited to three such contracts, making them one of the most coveted paths for undrafted prospects.

For Cooper, the signing caps one of the most remarkable development stories of the Tom Izzo era.

The Jackson, Michigan, native arrived in East Lansing in 2022 as an unranked, late addition to Michigan State's recruiting class after playing for IMG Academy's B team and receiving no other Power Four scholarship offers. Few expected him to become a multi-year starter, but Cooper improved steadily each season before breaking out as a senior.

During the 2025-26 campaign, he averaged 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting nearly 59 percent from the field, emerging as one of the Big Ten's most dependable centers. His athleticism, rim protection, and ability to run the floor made him an ideal complement to point guard Jeremy Fears Jr.

Cooper finished his Michigan State career with 137 appearances, transforming from a developmental project into an NBA contract recipient. His signing also extends a notable Michigan State-to-Memphis connection that includes Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman.

Meanwhile, Kohler signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during Summer League and into training camp. An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed agreement that allows teams to evaluate players while maintaining roster flexibility.

Players who sign Exhibit 10 deals can ultimately earn a standard NBA contract, a two-way contract, or a place with the organization's G League affiliate. For Kohler, that affiliate is the Salt Lake City Stars.

The Utah connection feels fitting for Kohler.

A native of American Fork, Utah, Kohler spent four seasons in East Lansing, developing into one of the Big Ten's most productive rebounders. Early injuries and inconsistent playing time tested his resolve, but he persevered and eventually became a cornerstone of Michigan State's frontcourt.

By his senior season, Kohler had developed into a reliable double-double threat, providing toughness, rebounding, and leadership. Together, he and Cooper leave East Lansing with a legacy that includes three Sweet 16 appearances, an Elite Eight run, and a Big Ten championship.

While Cooper's two-way contract puts him a step closer to regular NBA action, both former Spartans now have opportunities to prove themselves at the next level. Summer League will serve as the first major proving ground, with Cooper looking to cement his place within the Grizzlies organization and Kohler hoping to turn his Exhibit 10 contract into a more permanent opportunity.

For Michigan State fans, their signings are another reminder of what Tom Izzo's program continues to do best: develop players. Neither Cooper nor Kohler arrived in East Lansing as a can't-miss NBA prospect. They leave as winners, leaders, and professionals, each with a legitimate chance to extend his basketball journey.

Now, the next chapter begins. Michigan State fans will be watching closely to see whether two more Spartan Dawgs can earn and sustain a place in the NBA.