The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler have yet to make significant progress in extension negotiations, according to ESPN.
Sources indicate that Utah previously offered the 7-foot-2 big man a five-year contract worth $140 million, a deal that would have been the largest ever awarded to a center without an All-Star appearance.
Kessler emerged as one of the league’s premier interior defenders before a shoulder injury limited him to just five games last season.
During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 11.1 points while ranking second in the NBA with 2.4 blocks per game and fifth in rebounding at 12.2 per contest, all while shooting 66.3 percent from the field.
If no agreement is reached, the Jazz will retain the right to match any offer sheet he signs as a restricted free agent.
Utah also appears unlikely to finalize a rookie-scale extension with center Keyonte George before the deadline.
Despite the organization’s confidence in his future, the front office reportedly prefers to see another strong season before committing to a deal near the maximum extension level.
George broke out in 2025-26, averaging 23.6 points and 6.1 assists while posting an impressive .609 true shooting percentage after two challenging seasons to begin his career.
Similar to Kessler’s situation, the Jazz are comfortable allowing George to test restricted free agency if a new contract cannot be agreed upon.
Meanwhile, Utah continues preparations for the upcoming NBA Draft, where the franchise owns the No. 2 overall pick.
Kansas star Darryn Peterson is reportedly not planning a visit with the Jazz and is expected to meet only with the Washington Wizards, who hold the first selection.
BYU standout AJ Dybantsa, another top prospect in the class, has already met with both organizations.
Walker Kessler, Jazz Far Apart Despite Five-Year, $140M Offer https://t.co/gOCOibu54L
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 17, 2026
