Walker Kessler Could Be a Game-Changer for the Pacers - If They Can Get Him
The Utah Jazz may hold the contractual upper hand with Walker Kessler entering restricted free agency, but don’t be surprised if teams try to test just how much they’re willing to pay to keep their young center. Kessler’s value around the league is no secret anymore - and one team that’s reportedly circling back on him is the Indiana Pacers.
According to reports, the Pacers have already done their homework on Kessler and remain seriously intrigued. And it's not just the front office showing interest - franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton is said to be a fan of the idea, viewing Kessler as a potential frontcourt partner.
Indiana’s frontcourt has been in flux. After Myles Turner’s departure to Milwaukee and Haliburton’s Achilles injury, the Pacers found themselves in a bit of a transitional moment - not by design, but by circumstance. Turner’s absence left a defensive and rebounding void, and while he brought a unique skill set, Kessler has the tools to step in and fill that role with his own brand of impact.
Let’s not forget: the Pacers are fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. And if not for Haliburton’s injury, they might’ve been celebrating their first championship.
That’s the kind of context that matters here. Adding a rim protector like Kessler - someone who can anchor the paint, clean the glass, and give them second-chance opportunities - puts Indiana right back in the title conversation once Haliburton is healthy.
But here’s the catch: Utah isn’t going to let him walk easily. As a restricted free agent, Kessler’s current team can match any offer.
And the Jazz are well-positioned to do just that - they have the cap flexibility to retain him without putting their long-term payroll in a bind. Still, that doesn’t mean they won’t be tested.
The Pacers could absolutely push the Jazz into an uncomfortable spot. Kessler isn’t a project or a high-upside gamble. He’s already shown he can contribute at a high level, and that makes him a rare kind of restricted free agent - the kind teams are willing to throw big money at, even knowing the original team can match.
And make no mistake: Indiana is looking for a replacement for Turner not just for the sake of roster balance, but because they believe they’re still in a championship window. They’re not chasing potential - they’re chasing production. And Kessler checks a lot of boxes for a team that’s trying to stay in the mix at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Whether or not Utah is willing to match a massive offer sheet will be one of the more intriguing offseason questions. The Jazz may want to play hardball, but if Indiana - or any other team - comes in with a serious offer, Kessler will have the leverage to negotiate from a position of strength.
This is shaping up to be one of those free agency storylines that could quietly reshape the landscape. If Indiana goes all-in and Utah hesitates, the balance of power in the East could shift just enough to matter.