Star big man Walker Kessler is set to be a restricted free agent once the free agency window opens on June 30. The Utah Jazz will have the opportunity to match any offer that may come Kessler’s way, but it sounds like the four-year veteran wanted to have a contract extension in place during the 2025-26 season.
From the sounds of it, Kessler is upset with the Jazz front office for never giving him a contract extension and for how they have handled his RFA situation, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. While Utah has struggled to gain the interest of top prospects in back-to-back NBA Drafts, it appears the club could be fumbling its relationship with its star center.
“Difficult day for the Jazz on the optics front: Here you have Darryn Peterson refusing to work out for the team with the No. 2 pick, one year after Ace Bailey did the same (when they had No. 5),” said Amick. “Meanwhile, sources tell The Athletic. That a player who does want to be there – big man Walker Kessler – is at odds with the front office over his lack of an extension offer last summer and the current handling of his restricted free agency.”
Maintaining Kessler on the roster is likely the best decision for the Jazz. Even with the 7-foot-2 center playing only five games last season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Improving as a scorer would be big for Utah, but regardless, his presence in the paint has been undeniable.
Through four seasons in the NBA, Kessler is averaging 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game. He also owns a 68.1% career field goal percentage while hitting 26.6% of his three-point attempts.
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