The Utah Jazz reportedly rejected the significant contract amount that Walker Kessler was seeking for his extension.
Walker Kessler desired a significant amount in order to remain long-term in Salt Lake City, but the Utah Jazz rejected his proposal.
Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler
Team: Utah Jazz
Position: C
Age: 24
Height: 213 cm
Weight: 111 kg
Birth place: Atlanta, United States of America
As reported by Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, the Jazz turned down over $120 million total contract extension amount that the big man was seeking during their previous discussions.
“There was a clear gap in talks between Kessler and Utah,” a source told Afseth.
Both Kessler and the Jazz eventually failed to reach a rookie scale extension this past offseason, which is set to make the center a restricted free agent next year.
As such, what makes Kessler's looming free agency status even more interesting is his current inactivity. The big man recently underwent season-ending surgery to address his shoulder complications (torn labrum).
He only played five games this year, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Already in Utah since his rookie season in 2022-23, Kessler can pursue the market in next year's offseason to obtain the contract he wants. But the Jazz have his rights as a restricted free agent and can match any offer he can get.
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