According to Tim MacMahon, the Washington Wizards are “fairing to make a significant offer” for Walker Kessler.
The reality is that the Utah Jazz can match any offer given to Kessler, so they can make sure he’s here next season. The question becomes, do they want to offer what the Wizards might give him? Utah, by not signing Walker Kessler by his signing deadline this offseason, essentially told Kessler to play the market. Now, we’re seeing that there is a team out there that might test the Jazz’s resolve with Kessler. Utah obviously didn’t want to overpay Kessler, but this might force them to. On top of just the dollar amount, the Wizards could put some tough provisions in the contract that might make the Jazz balk at signing. What if there’s a no-trade clause? What if there’s a massive trade kicker? If Kessler signs something like that, it puts Utah in the worst spot possible.
Now, they may be fine with all of that. It just puts them in a tough situation now, and their signing of Kessler is at risk. It’s clear that Keyonte George will have a contract coming up soon, and the Jazz books fill up really quickly. This may be much ado about nothing, but it’s definitely something to watch. At the very least it makes Kessler a name to watch this trade deadline. If Utah is not interested in a big contract with him, they may decide to get something for him while they can.