Are the Lakers getting an opportunity? Kessler fails to reach a contract extension with the Jazz, set to become a restricted free agent next summer

On September 25th Beijing time, league insiders revealed to The Athletic that the Utah Jazz and center Walker Kessler failed to agree on extending his rookie contract, which means he will be a restricted free agent next summer.

Kessler is now in the last year of his rookie contract and has emerged as one of the best young defensive centers and rim protectors in the NBA. As one of the most athletically gifted players at his position, he represents the kind of interior defensive anchor teams are seeking today. The Jazz highly value Kessler, so why haven't they reached an extension?

Sources say the Jazz fully recognize Kessler's worth, not only valuing him greatly but also viewing him as a cornerstone for the team's future. After trading away Mitchell and Gobert, Kessler is one of the few young players acquired in the rebuilding process who has stood out, proving on the NBA stage that he has the ability to be a consistent starter.

If the Jazz value Kessler so much, why not lock him in now with a five-year deal? The answer is simple: money, and the fact that the NBA is fundamentally a business.

The Jazz hope to end their position at the bottom of the Western Conference as soon as next summer. By not extending Kessler now, his salary cap hold next summer will be $14.9 million — an amount that allows the Jazz to retain his signing rights while preserving enough flexibility in the free agent market. In theory, they can still reach an agreement with Kessler later. Moreover, thanks to the "Bird rights" they hold on him, the Jazz can sign him even if their salary exceeds the cap.

Conversely, if they sign Kessler now, his salary cap hold will be based on the new contract amount, which could significantly reduce the team's salary cap flexibility.

Currently, the number of teams expected to have salary cap space next summer is limited, and the Lakers are one of them — and they have previously shown interest in Kessler.From this perspective, the Jazz may face pressure in the future: when the free agent market opens, they will need to prepare a competitive offer for Kessler, possibly having to present a proposal early in the market period.

According to sources, Kessler and the Jazz held multiple meetings this summer about a potential extension, and the Jazz have even submitted a formal offer, butthey have consistently failed to reach consensus on key terms.

Is the Jazz's current approach risky? The answer is yes, even though it makes sense from a business standpoint.

Kessler is already a highly capable player. The only factor limiting the 24-year-old's performance previously was limited playing time. Last season, he averaged 30 minutes over 58 games, contributing 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 66%.

Imagine if Kessler's average minutes increase to 35 per game next season — his stats could rise substantially, which would undoubtedly boost his market value. However, how much the Jazz management, led by Danny and Justin Ainge, are willing to pay a traditional center remains uncertain. It's worth remembering that one reason the Jazz traded Gobert was because Danny Ainge was unwilling to pay him a $40 million annual salary.

However, Kessler's current situation differs from Gobert's at the time: Kessler is younger and has not yet reached his career peak, whereas Gobert was at the end of his prime when traded. The Jazz are eager to "reverse their fortunes" and aim to improve competitiveness as much as possible next season. Of course, if the team finishes around 20 wins and secures a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the management likely won't be too disappointed — especially considering the draft features many promising prospects like Kansas freshman Dalen Peterson, Duke freshman Cameron Boucher, and BYU freshman AJ DiBartolo. Establishing Kessler as the defensive cornerstone early would certainly accelerate the rebuilding process.

Overall, the Jazz have demonstrated Kessler's importance to the team through their actions: over the past few years, they have declined multiple trade offers involving Kessler; this summer, the management even visited Kessler's home near Atlanta for a meeting; and they have clearly communicated the team's salary plan to Kessler and his agents.

For the Jazz, who will likely continue to struggle for wins next season, Kessler's impending restricted free agent status adds some uncertainty. However, the Jazz hope that when the free agent market opens next summer, this situation will be resolved with minimal "drama."