Jazz Determined to Keep Walker Kessler Despite Lakers Interest

But based on the offers that seem to be coming in for Kessler, doubt began to creep in surrounding the Jazz's willingness to match the high offer sheet that might develop from another suitor––likely being the Lakers.

Despite Kessler's Steep Offers, Jazz Might Not Budge

The Athletic's Tony Jones reported on Tuesday that Kessler has received offers in the "mid-to-high 30's" in the meetings he was a part of during the opening of free agency.

If that's the case, such an annual value would creep significantly higher than Utah's initial offer of around $140 million over five years, which would sit at $28 million per seaon.

Those incoming offers might not be scaring off the Jazz at all, though. Utah and their decision-makers in the front office seem to covet his skillset and value to this roster immensely, and might not be willing to let him go, even at a number that spans a lot higher than what they had in mind.

Matching that deal at all costs might also rule out the idea of a sign-and-trade that could also be in play, if Kessler were to accept an offer sheet elsewhere. That route could allow the Jazz to recoup some assets in return by allowing him to join another team instead of him departing Utah for nothing.

But if the front office is truly committed to matching whatever offer sheet he receives and accepts, perhaps that option isn't at the top of their agenda: they want to continue building with Kessler in the fold, and are willing to do what it takes to make that happen.

Once free agency moratorium ends on July 6th, and teams are officially able to submit their offer sheets in stone, then we might get a bit more clarity on what the Jazz's plans might be. For now, though, the prevailing expectation still remains that Kessler will be back in Utah by the time next season rolls around.