Utah Jazz negotiations with Walker Kessler face tight timeline
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 1:38 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
The Utah Jazz have not yet reached a contract agreement with center Walker Kessler as of June 29, 2026. Kessler, a key player acquired in the Rudy Gobert trade, is considered one of the NBA's top centers and is reportedly seeking a deal beyond the Jazz's initial five-year, $140 million offer. With restricted free agency on the horizon, teams like the Los Angeles Lakers may pose a threat to the Jazz's chances of retaining Kessler. The Jazz aim to finalize a contract soon to avoid losing him before a crucial competitive season.
- •Kessler is negotiating a new contract with the Jazz.
- •He has rejected an initial five-year, $140 million offer.
- •The Lakers are interested in Kessler, increasing pressure on the Jazz.
- •Kessler averaged the second-most blocks in the league during the 2024-25 season.
- •Contract negotiations must conclude before free agency begins.
- 1:38 AMYahoo Sports — Signing Center Walker Kessler Has to Be the Top Priority for the Utah Jazz
"They can't go back to free agency; that is a dark, dark place for a small-market team.
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