The Utah Jazz seem prepared to make Walker Kessler one of many highest-paid facilities within the league. The issue is that the 2 sides nonetheless aren’t near reaching an settlement.
Utah has already put a five-year contract price roughly $140 million on the desk for the restricted free agent large man, in keeping with ESPN. Regardless of the dimensions of the supply, sources indicated there stays a big hole between Kessler and the group in ongoing negotiations.
If signed, the deal would reportedly grow to be the biggest contract ever awarded to a middle who had not but earned an NBA All-Star choice.
That alone highlights how extremely the Jazz worth Kessler’s long-term potential.
The seven-foot-two middle has established himself as one of many league’s elite defensive anchors since getting into the NBA. Though shoulder surgical procedure restricted him to only 5 video games final season, his earlier marketing campaign demonstrated precisely why Utah is keen to safe him long run.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Kessler averaged 11.1 factors whereas capturing 66.3 p.c from the sphere. He additionally completed second within the NBA in blocks at 2.4 per sport and ranked fifth in rebounding with 12.2 boards per contest.
Regardless of these numbers, the 2 sides have but to search out widespread floor.
The excellent news for Utah is that the franchise nonetheless maintains important leverage. As a restricted free agent, Kessler can negotiate with different groups, however the Jazz retain the proper to match any supply sheet he indicators elsewhere.
Utah’s entrance workplace is comfy permitting foundational gamers to enter restricted free company if an extension can’t be finalized beforehand.
Kessler isn’t the one younger Jazz participant concerned in contract discussions. ESPN additionally reported that there’s uncertainty surrounding a possible rookie extension for guard Keyonte George.
Whereas Utah stays optimistic about George’s future after his breakout season, sources indicated the group want to see one other yr of progress earlier than committing to a deal close to the rookie most.
READ MORE: Former Coach Displays on Jose Alvarado and His Journey
