Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler acknowledged Monday that discussions on a rookie-scale extension have not progressed as he hoped, calling the situation “a little frustrating” during the team’s Media Day.
Last week, The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported that the Jazz and the fourth-year big man are unlikely to strike a deal before the regular season despite holding several meetings over the summer. According to Jones, Utah is prioritizing salary-cap flexibility for next offseason. If Kessler reaches restricted free agency in 2026, his cap hold would be $14.9 million; an extension would carry a higher first-year salary and replace that figure.
“I don’t want to talk about it after today, just because I don’t want it to be a distraction for me or my teammates,” Kessler told reporters. Pressed further, he admitted he would be disappointed “if I don’t” receive an extension.
Asked whether the Jazz informed him that no offer would be forthcoming, Kessler declined to answer. Jones has reported that Utah did present an offer and values the 24-year-old highly, but the two sides remain far apart.
Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune noted that Kessler’s representatives are seeking a long-term agreement approaching—or potentially surpassing—nine figures.
“We’re big fans of Walker,” team president of basketball operations Austin Ainge said. “We’ve talked with him and his people this summer and hope to have him around long term, whether that’s an agreement now or later.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
