NBA Rumors: Jazz, Walker Kessler, Kings, Jon Elmore, Mavericks

Jazz

Despite holding “multiple meetings” over the summer, the Jazz and center Walker Kessler are not expected to reach agreement on a rookie-scale extension before the season, per NBA insider Tony Jones of The Athletic.

Utah has a formal offer out but remains far apart on terms. If no deal is struck, Kessler will head into next summer as a restricted free agent.

From a cap perspective, that may be the preference. His 2026 cap hold projects at $14.9 million — far below what a new extension would likely pay.

The Jazz still value him highly. They see the 7-footer as one of the NBA’s better defensive bigs and a long-term piece. But waiting gives them flexibility.

The Lakers, who have been linked to Kessler before, could be among the teams with cap space next summer. That’s one reason Utah may want to line up a comfortable number and be ready once free agency opens.

In 58 healthy appearances last season, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 boards, and 2.4 blocks. On a rebuilding roster, bigger numbers aren’t out of the question.

Kings

Sacramento has signed free agent guard Jon Elmore to an Exhibit 10 contract, per Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot.

Elmore, 29, has taken the long road since going undrafted out of Marshall in 2019. Stops have included the G League and overseas runs in Italy, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania and Turkey.

Last season, he suited up for Manisa Basket in Turkey after splitting time with the Stockton Kings.

With Stockton in 2024-25, he averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 assists across 34 games. At 6-3, he brings some playmaking and shooting depth to camp.

Odds are he ends up waived and back in Stockton, where he could earn up to an $85,300 bonus by sticking for 60 days.

He joins Terence Davis as the Kings’ Exhibit 10 signees. Sacramento already has its three two-way slots filled.

• In case you missed it, the Kings and Warriors have resumed talks on a potential Jonathan Kuminga trade. We have that full story here.

Mavericks

The Mavericks have waived guard D’Moi Hodge ahead of camp, per the league’s transaction log.

Hodge had just signed a non-guaranteed deal believed to carry Exhibit 10 language. The 6-4 wing went undrafted out of Missouri in 2023, later landing with the Lakers on a two-way deal. He appeared in seven games for L.A., logging 2.0 points in limited minutes.

He has spent most of his time in the G League and overseas. Last season, Hodge played for Aris Thessaloniki in Greece, averaging 7.1 points in EuroCup action.

Keith Smith of Spotrac notes Hodge is expected to join the Texas Legends, Dallas’ G League affiliate. Sticking there for 60 days would make him eligible for an $85,300 Exhibit 10 bonus.

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