New NBA Rumors Reveal Walker Kessler's Contract Offer From Jazz, Star Wants 'Significantly' More

If the Utah Jazz want to keep Walker Kessler around this offseason, it's apparently going to cost them a pretty penny.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported on ESPN 700 and 92.1 FM that the Jazz offered the big man a five-year deal worth nearly $140 million, but Kessler's camp rejected it.

"Walker's representation is looking for significantly more than that," MacMahon said.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Monday that Kessler "is at odds with the front office over his lack of an extension offer last summer and the current handling of his restricted free agency."

Kessler played just five games in 2025-26 after suffering a labral tear in November, but the former first-rounder averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game during the 2024-25 campaign, establishing himself as one of the best young rebounders and defenders in the league.

Kessler is sure to get plenty of attention this offseason, but since he's a restricted free agent, the Jazz have the opportunity to match any offer sheet he gets. Utah has plenty of cap space heading into the offseason, so it should have the means to match any offer Kessler gets.

The Athletic's Dan Woike reported the Jazz are expected to match any offer sheet Kessler receives, but there is surely a limit they are willing to pay.

The Jazz have two players making over $40 million next season in Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. If Kessler is seeking "significantly more" than the five-year, $140 million deal, his contract could very well get into the $40 million a year range as well.

That's a high price to pay for a player who hasn't fully proved himself yet, and the rebuilding Jazz aren't exactly in a position to gamble as they try to get back to playoff form.