Center Walker Kessler is at odds with the Utah Jazz's front office over its handling of his restricted free agency, sources told The Athletic's Sam Amick.
Kessler remains frustrated with the Jazz after the organization declined to offer him a contract extension last summer and is strongly considering his future outside of Utah, adds Amick. However, the 24-year-old faces limited options as a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Jazz reportedly plan to leverage their position to minimize his market.
Kessler could strike a new deal with Utah or sign an offer sheet with another team beginning on July 1, which the Jazz can match. The two sides could also work together on a sign-and-trade.
Alternatively, the Auburn product could sign his $14.6-million qualifying offer, helping pave the way for him to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
Kessler has drawn attention from other teams after developing into a reliable rim-protector in Utah, per Amick. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, and 1.8 blocks in five games last year before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
The Jazz have assembled an intriguing group of bigs that includes Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., whom they acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies last February. Utah has $95 million committed to Markkanen and Jackson for the 2026-27 season.
