Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler Contract Talks Show Friction

It's an interesting layer to add into the Kessler's contract saga, which will be sure to heat up later this summer once those talks are opened once again. As of now, those discussions have been put on pause since the beginning of the season.

Will the Jazz Have Difficulty Retaining Walker Kessler?

The Jazz would love to retain Kessler as a long-term piece of their core. On paper, a fit next to the frontcourt of Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. is a well-rounded trio on both ends of the floor; and could easily be one that leads Utah to a playoff berth in the Western Conference as soon as next year.

But, the reality is that the Jazz's payroll is starting to add up quickly following their trade deadline acquisition of Jackson Jr. Next season alone, Markkanen will be making $46 million on his deal, while Jackson Jr. will be due $49 million; over 50% of their available cap as is.

So, you can see how adding Kessler's aspired lucrative contract into the mix can start to make the salary cap situation a bit tight for the Jazz. Add in the rookie extension due for Keyonte George, which could come as soon as this summer on top of it, then things get even more expensive.

Kessler is well worth the notable pay raise that he's bound to receive this summer. In the short span that he was fully healthy this season, he was putting up strong numbers of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds,  and 1.8 blocks that can provide the necessary confidence that he's capable of being the team's long-term center of the future.

However, the logistics that are bound to unfold between the Jazz and Kessler at the negotiation table could extend a bit longer than initially expected, especially if Kessler and his representatives feel as if he's well worth more than $25 million annually, which would theoretically make him a top-15 paid player at his position for next year.

In all likelihood, the Jazz will have their defensive anchor back in the building and on a new contract come next season, whatever that value comes out to be. Utah has turned down multiple trade pursuits in recent years in an effort to keep Kessler onboard for the foreseeable future, and by leaving that value on the table, it makes keeping him––even with a high price tag––well worth the investment.

For now, the wheels won't start spinning much more on a new deal until Kessler officially hits extended free agency later this year, making for more of a wait-and-see situation until that time comes.

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