New NBA Rumors Reveal Walker Kessler's Contract Offers Amid Lakers, Jazz Buzz in Free Agency

Walker Kessler has wasted no time meeting with teams now that free agency has begun.

Per The Athletic's Tony Jones, the Utah Jazz restricted free agent has met with "a couple of teams" and has another meeting on the way. According to Jones, the center holds "multiple offers in the mid to high 30's annually, along with structure of his choice, including player options."

Kessler has spent the first four years of his career in Utah but is testing the waters as a restricted free agent after he and the Jazz failed to reach a deal before the offseason.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Kessler wants to be in Utah long-term and "would have accepted a deal at numbers lower than" the range of offers he has received so far.

Fischer also noted that the Jazz have presented a "take-it-or-leave-it" five-year deal worth around $27 million per year.

Before the offseason, Kessler reportedly received a five-year offer from Utah worth nearly $140 million, but he turned it down. Sam Amick of The Athletic noted earlier this month that Kessler has been "at odds" with the Jazz's front office after not receiving an extension last offseason.

Kessler played just five games a season ago because of a torn labrum he suffered in November, but the former first-rounder has proved early in his career that he can be an All-Defense caliber player.

During the 2024-25 campaign, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He led the league in blocks per game and was top five in rebounding as well.

Given the kind of production the 7'2" Kessler has given the Jazz through his first few seasons, it's no surprise to see him as such a coveted target.

What teams Kessler has met with so far is unclear, but Fischer and Marc Stein reported Monday night that the Los Angeles Lakers are "believed to be" one of the teams he's meeting with.

But whichever team attempts to sign Kessler could get some pushback from the Jazz, who reportedly are expected to match any offer sheet he receives.