Jazz RFA Walker Kessler Holds Early Free-Agency Meetings With Multiple Teams
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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, a restricted free agent, has already sat down with at least two clubs as the league’s negotiating period opens and is headed to a third meeting, according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones.
Jones reports that Kessler has received multiple offers worth mid- to high-$30 million annually, with some proposals including player options. Because he is restricted, any suitor would need sufficient salary-cap space to sign him to an offer sheet.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one cap-space team showing interest, The Athletic’s Dan Woike noted, though it is unclear if Los Angeles was among the first two meetings. The Lakers also plan to consult with Detroit restricted free agent center Jalen Duren.
Utah retains the right to match any offer for the 22-year-old. If a franchise without cap room wants Kessler, he could pursue a sign-and-trade arrangement.
Earlier this offseason, the Jazz extended a five-year, $140 million contract proposal—an average of roughly $27 million per season—in what league sources described to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line as a “take-it-or-leave-it” deal limited to five years.
Kessler has stated for more than a year that he hopes to remain in Utah long term. However, Fischer adds that during last fall’s rookie-scale extension window, the Jazz did not present what Kessler’s representatives considered a serious offer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
