Walker Kessler’s Free Agency Could Define the Jazz’s Future - Especially If Nikola Jokic Stands in Their Way
The Utah Jazz are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the biggest question looming over Salt Lake City isn’t about draft picks, coaching changes, or even their recent trade activity. It’s about Walker Kessler - and whether the Jazz are willing to pay what it takes to keep one of the league’s most quietly impactful big men on their roster.
Kessler will hit restricted free agency this summer, and by all indications, there’s a significant gap between what he believes he's worth and what the Jazz are currently willing to offer. That’s not unusual in RFA negotiations, but it’s the kind of standoff that could get messy if neither side budges.
Utah Has Leverage - But So Does Kessler
From Utah’s perspective, they’re in a decent spot. Some of the teams that were previously thought to be potential suitors for Kessler have already made moves that likely take them out of the running.
Washington swung big by trading for Anthony Davis, while Indiana added Ivica Zubac to its frontcourt. That narrows the market, giving the Jazz a bit more control in negotiations.
But Kessler isn’t without leverage of his own - and it goes beyond his nightly contributions as a rim protector and rebounder. There’s one stat that jumps off the page and could shift the entire conversation: his defensive performance against Nikola Jokic.
According to Stat Defender, among all players who’ve guarded Jokic for at least 300 possessions since the 2020-21 season, no one has done a better job limiting the reigning Finals MVP than Kessler. Jokic’s true shooting percentage drops to 52.6% when Kessler is the primary defender - the lowest mark on the list. For context, that’s ahead of Chet Holmgren, Karl-Anthony Towns, Alperen Sengun, and even Zubac.
Now, let’s be clear: no one stops Jokic. He’s the best offensive center in the game - maybe the best offensive player, period.
But slowing him down? Making him work for every bucket?
That’s where Kessler shines. And in a Western Conference where every contender has to go through Denver, that skill set becomes invaluable.
The Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade Signals Utah’s Intentions
Utah’s recent move to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. sent a clear message: they’re not rebuilding - they’re reloading. This team is aiming to compete next season, not three years from now.
And if you’re trying to make a deep playoff run in the West, you’re going to run into Jokic and the Nuggets sooner or later. That’s just the reality.
Which brings us back to Kessler.
If the Jazz are serious about contending, letting arguably the best Jokic defender in the league walk over a price tag would be a tough pill to swallow. Kessler may not be a household name or a perennial All-Star, but his value in a playoff series - especially against Denver - could be the difference between advancing and going home early.
Is Kessler Worth All-Star Money? That Depends on the Matchup
Kessler is reportedly seeking a contract that reflects his impact - something in the All-Star range. That might raise eyebrows, especially since he hasn’t made an All-Star team (and may never do so).
But basketball value isn’t always about accolades. It’s about what a player brings to the floor, and how that translates when the stakes are highest.
If Kessler can be the kind of player who shifts a playoff series - particularly against a team like Denver - then his contract demands start to make a lot more sense. Teams pay a premium for matchup advantages, and Kessler’s ability to at least contain Jokic puts him in rare company.
Utah Needs Kessler More Than Ever
In a league where elite two-way centers are hard to come by, and defensive stoppers are even rarer, Kessler is a unique asset. He’s not just a nice piece for Utah - he’s a necessity if they want to compete at the highest level. The Jazz might not love the idea of handing out a big contract, but they also can’t afford to lose a player who gives them a legitimate shot at slowing down the best player in the conference.
So while the numbers may be tough to swallow, and the negotiations may get tense, the reality is this: Walker Kessler is the kind of player who could make or break Utah’s postseason hopes. And in a Western Conference that still runs through Denver, that makes him worth every penny.