The Utah Jazz aren’t reportedly expected to reach an agreement with Walker Kessler on a rookie-scale contract extension this year, which means that the 24-year-old center will likely become a restricted free agent next summer.
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, this isn’t an indication that the Utah Jazz wants to part ways with Kessler, who will earn $4.9 million on the final year of his rookie contract, anytime soon.
“The answer is simple: money. And the NBA is a business. The Jazz see themselves trying to end their time near the bottom of the NBA barrel as soon as next summer. By not signing Kessler now, he would have a cap hold of $14.9 million next summer, which would give the Jazz enough space to keep Kessler’s hold and still do work in free agency,” Jones wrote.
Mar 31, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (bottom left) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
“Then, the Jazz and Kessler theoretically can come to an agreement. Because Utah holds Kessler’s bird rights, the Jazz would be able to exceed the cap by signing him. If Utah extends Kessler now, his cap hold would be whatever that contract dictates, which could make the franchise less flexible from a money standpoint,” he added.
Utah Jazz beef up frontcourt depth by signing former lottery pick
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype , the Utah Jazz agreed to a deal with free agent center Mo Bamba, who last played for the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans in 2024-25.
Apr 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) warms up before the start of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
As of this writing, the Utah Jazz now have 18 players on the roster heading into training camp. With the team required to cut a handful of players, Bamba will be fighting for one of the coveted roster spots.
In other news, Utah has reportedly explored buying out Kevin Love’s contract. However, no deal is imminent just yet, as the one-time NBA champion is expected to attend the team’s training camp.
