Walker Kessler is “frustrated” the Utah Jazz didn’t sign him to a rookie-scale extension.
Kessler will become a restricted free agent next offseason.
Walker Kessler admits he’s frustrated that Utah didn’t give him an extension 👀
“I’m definitely a little frustrated … as long as I have an Utah Jazz jersey on I will play winning basketball.”
(Via @andyblarsen) pic.twitter.com/GJ9HzCYNKP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 29, 2025
Kessler is one of the top centers in the NBA. He appeared in 58 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 66.3% from the field and 52.0% from the free-throw line. The 24-year-old recorded 28 double-doubles.
Kessler has career averages of 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks. He will make $4.9 million in 2025-26.
The Jazz had the worst record in the NBA last season. They won only 17 games.
Tony Jones of The Athletic broke the news on September 24 about the Jazz and Kessler not coming to terms on an extension.
“The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler will not reach an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension, league sources tell The Athletic, which clears the way for the starting center to reach restricted free agency next summer,” Jones wrote. “Kessler, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, has emerged as one of the best young defensive centers in the league. He’s one of the best rim protectors in basketball, one of the better athletes at his position in the league, and he is someone who projects as the kind of defensive presence in the lane that teams need in this era of spacing with players who are able to pressure the rim off the dribble.
“The Jazz know this and, according to sources, highly value Kessler and see him as a cornerstone to the future. He is the one young player Utah acquired since moving on from Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, that has significantly popped and has proven himself as a night-in and night-out starter at the NBA level.”