Jazz-Kessler Stalled Despite $140M Offer

Sources indicated that the Utah Jazz and restricted free agent center Walker Kessler were not close to finalizing a deal, despite the Jazz presenting an offer worth approximately $140 million over five years. This proposed contract would represent the largest ever given to a center who had not yet been named an All-Star. The Jazz retain the right to match any offer sheet Kessler may sign as a restricted free agent.

Kessler, standing at 7 feet 2 inches, has established himself as one of the NBA's leading shot blockers and rebounders. Although he only appeared in five games during the last season due to a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery, he had previously ranked second in the league for blocks with an average of 2.4 per game, and fifth in rebounds, averaging 12.2 per game in the 2024-25 season. He also averaged 11.1 points while shooting an impressive 66.3% from the field.

Additionally, sources have raised concerns about the possibility of the Jazz reaching an agreement on a rookie contract extension for guard Keyonte George. This comes despite the franchise's optimistic outlook for George after his breakout third season, during which he managed to average 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game, showing a significant improvement in his efficiency with a true shooting percentage of .609 in 2025-26. While the Jazz are open to discussions regarding an extension, they prefer to see George continue to build on his success from last season before committing to a deal that approaches the rookie extension maximum.

Similar to Kessler, the Jazz are prepared to let core players enter restricted free agency if a suitable extension agreement cannot be reached. Furthermore, the Jazz possess the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo noted that top prospect Darryn Peterson from Kansas is not planning to conduct a visit with the Jazz, instead choosing to meet only with the Washington Wizards, who hold the No. 1 pick. AJ Dybantsa from BYU, another highly regarded prospect, has visited both the Jazz and Wizards.