Walker Kessler is frustrated with the Utah Jazz over the team’s handling of his restricted free agency, according to league sources. The 24-year-old center has grown increasingly unhappy after the Jazz declined to offer him a contract extension last summer and now appears to be weighing options outside of Salt Lake City.
Kessler’s choices starting July 1 include signing an offer sheet from another team that the Jazz can match, pursuing a sign-and-trade, or accepting the $14.6 million qualifying offer for a single season. That decision would keep him a restricted free agent in 2025 while positioning him for unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Despite missing most of last season due to a torn left labrum, Kessler remains one of the most coveted rim-protectors in the league. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks have all shown interest in acquiring him in the past.
The Pacers had pursued Kessler at the February trade deadline but instead acquired Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that sent two first-round picks, a second-rounder, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson to Los Angeles.
The Jazz currently have $95 million committed to big men Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. for next season, which sources say is a major reason the team is being cautious about Kessler’s contract situation.
The timing is awkward for Utah, which holds the No. 2 pick in next week’s draft but has been unable to secure a workout with top prospect Darryn Peterson. This echoes last year’s situation when Ace Bailey also declined a pre-draft visit before being selected fifth overall.
Kessler had expected to be a long-term building block for the Jazz under owner Ryan Smith. One rival executive cited Utah and the reigning champion New York Knicks as among the few teams with enough frontcourt depth to challenge San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
As July 1 approaches, Kessler’s decision will have major implications for the Jazz’s rebuild and the evolving Western Conference landscape.
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