The Jazz and Walker Kessler hit contract roadblock as deadline approaches
Utah Jazz and 24-year-old center Walker Kessler won’t be signing an extension anytime soon, despite “multiple meetings” during the offseason.
The team made a formal offer to their defensive standout, but both sides remain far apart, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.
It’s not because they don’t want him around.
The Jazz “highly value Kessler and see him as a cornerstone to the future” as one of the best young defensive centers in the league. This is actually about smart money management.
Kessler will earn $4.9 million in the final year of his rookie deal before becoming a restricted free agent in 2026. He’s currently playing on a four-year, $13.37 million contract he signed after being drafted in 2022.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
By waiting to sign Kessler next summer instead of now, the Jazz would only have a $14.9 million cap hold on their books. This gives them room to make other moves in free agency while still retaining the right to exceed the salary cap when they eventually sign him, thanks to his Bird rights.
If they extended him now, his actual salary would immediately count against the cap, limiting their flexibility to improve the roster.
The 7-footer has become a defensive force for Utah. Last season, he averaged career highs across the board with 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 58 starts.
His shot-blocking ability is elite.
Kessler ranked second in the NBA with 2.4 blocks per game last season, trailing only phenom Victor Wembanyama (3.8). He also finished fourth in total blocks with 138.
Perhaps most impressive? He’s the first NBA player to average at least two blocks per game in each of his first three seasons since Tim Duncan did it from 1997-2000.
That’s pretty elite company.
Fans will get to see Kessler back in action when the Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22 to open their 2025-26 season.
