Utah Reportedly Puts $140 Million Offer in Front of Walker Kessler
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The Utah Jazz have presented restricted free-agent center Walker Kessler with a five-year, $140 million contract proposal, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported.
Despite the offer, negotiations remain stalled. Earlier in the week, The Athletic’s Sam Amick noted Kessler is dissatisfied with the talks, and MacMahon’s latest reporting indicates a significant gap persists, with the 7-foot-2 big man seeking a richer deal.
The proposed salary averages $28 million per season, topping recent agreements for fellow centers Nic Claxton ($24.3 million), Jakob Poeltl ($25.9 million) and Myles Turner ($27.2 million) while sitting just below Jarrett Allen’s $30.2 million. Kessler’s camp is believed to be eyeing a figure closer to the five-year, $185 million rookie extension Alperen Şengün signed with Houston in 2024.
Landing that number could prove difficult. Kessler appeared in only five games in 2025-26 before shoulder surgery ended his season. In 2024-25 he produced 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game but has not developed a consistent offensive presence, averaging 11.1 points that season and 9.5 for his career.
Utah is expected to issue a $7.1 million qualifying offer this month, securing Kessler’s restricted status. Beginning June 30 he may seek offer sheets elsewhere, yet only a handful of clubs — including Brooklyn, Chicago and the Lakers — project to have the cap space needed to outbid the Jazz, and their level of interest is uncertain.
Keyonte George Extension Also in Question
Sources told MacMahon that guard Keyonte George is unlikely to reach a rookie-scale extension with Utah this offseason. After struggling in his first two campaigns, George broke out in 2025-26, posting career highs of 23.6 points and 6.1 assists while shooting .456 from the field, .371 from three and .892 at the line.
The Jazz front office is open to discussions but prefers to see additional progress in George’s fourth year before considering a near-max commitment, mirroring the organization’s cautious approach with Kessler.
Source: Hoops Rumors
