Guard Jason Hart has exercised his $2.5 million option to remain with the Jazz next season, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

He had a disappointing season, finishing as the team's number three point guard. He had until June 30 to decide, but his agent claims that the decision wasn't a hard one.

"This past year, [Hart] probably would have liked to have played more, and we would have liked for him to have played more," General Manager Kevin O'Connor said. "But he'll get the chance to come in and compete for a position again next year behind Deron [Williams]."

There is still a chance that the team could look to buyout Hart, who would have likely had to settle for a minimum deal ($1.07 million) elsewhere.

"There's always that hope," agent Bill Neff said. "That's a big investment for a third guard, so you always have that. In this day and age, to give someone close to half the midlevel [exception] and then not play him isn't that wise."

RealGM Note: Hart 'deserved' a salary of $1.14 million and therefore had a Reina Value of -55%.