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No Extension for Walker Kessler?

A torn labrum is just a nightmarish injury for a dude who spends a lot of time with his hands up, rebounding, trying to block people and taking hits to the shoulder joint.

Walker may be in for a very long recovery. And the timing couldn't be worse for him.
 
I was bummed they couldn’t get that loss in OT against Phoenix too. But this was an aggressive reaction from Ainge after Kessler grabbed all those rebounds.
 
HadAnEffectHere said:
Absolutely not! They should have traded him last deadline, now their relationship is going to be awful and his trade value is much lower. Kessler just does not fit at all what Hardy wants in an NBA center and has no future on this team yet they won't move him.
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I think the Jazz like Kessler just fine as long as he isnt the second or third highest paid player in the team. Slot him in at 25 million and he fits just splendidly. Sucks that it happened like this though.
 
framer said:
I think the Jazz like Kessler just fine as long as he isnt the second or third highest paid player in the team. Slot him in at 25 million and he fits just splendidly. Sucks that it happened like this though.
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The Jazz's scheme does literally everything you do not want to do with an immobile big. Kessler takes forever to get back in transition, but the Jazz send their forwards in to crash the glass to, making his transition woes even worse. The Jazz meanwhile sell out helping to avoid paint penetration, even though minimizing the damage of paint penetration is the whole point of Kessler's archetype.
 
HadAnEffectHere said:
Absolutely not! They should have traded him last deadline, now their relationship is going to be awful and his trade value is much lower. Kessler just does not fit at all what Hardy wants in an NBA center and has no future on this team yet they won't move him.
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They can find a new coach.
 
Wow this sucks for Walker. He was looking like he is gonna take another step but now he wont get to prove that and get paid accordingly.
 
HermanG said:
Wow this sucks for Walker. He was looking like he is gonna take another step but now he wont get to prove that and get paid accordingly.
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He will recover and still get a good contract that will set him up for life
He may even get another decent contract after this next one
Can't feel too sorry for these guys
 
Just for kicks, I asked CoPilot to predict Kessler's extension / FA contract.

1. Current Contract Status​

Kessler is on a rookie-scale contract, signed after being drafted in 2022. His deal runs through the 2025–26 season, with a team option for that final year. That means:
  • He’s not eligible for free agency until 2026, unless traded or waived.
  • The Jazz are likely to exercise his team option, keeping him on a very affordable deal.

2. Performance & Role​

Kessler has shown elite rim protection and rebounding, but his offensive game is still developing. If he continues to improve and becomes a consistent starter or defensive anchor, he could be in line for a significant payday.

3. Market Comparisons​

Assuming steady development, here are some comparable contracts he might aim for:
PlayerRoleContractYear Signed
Nic ClaxtonStarting center, elite defender4 yrs / $100M (projected 2024 FA)2024
Isaiah HartensteinVersatile big, strong defender3 yrs / $87M2024
Jarrett AllenAll-Star caliber center5 yrs / $100M2021

4. Predicted Contract (2026 FA or Extension)​

If Kessler continues on his current trajectory:
  • Likely Range: 4 years, $80–100 million
  • Ceiling: 4 years, $120 million if he becomes a top-tier defender and improves offensively
  • Floor: 3 years, $45–60 million if his role remains more limited

5. Utah Jazz Fit​

The Jazz value defense and have invested in young talent. If they see Kessler as a long-term piece, they may offer an extension before he hits free agency—possibly in the summer of 2025.
 
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