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Jazz Deny Kessler Extension; Lakers Eye $14.6M Offer

6/16/2026

Summary

Kessler Offer Sheet

Walker Kessler will be a restricted free agent summer after the Jazz denied his extension.
He may receive a $14.6 million offer sheet.
The Jazz will match offer sheets, including a $7.1 million qualifying offer.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with $50 million in cap space, and teams have shown interest.
Jazz committed $95 million to Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. for 2026-27, while Kessler posted 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds before shoulder surgery.

Summary

Warriors Target Kessler

The Warriors have no signed center, with Porzingis and Bassey unrestricted, Post restricted, and Green and Horford holding options.
Limited cap space forces Golden State to consider a sign-and-trade for Kessler that would require assets, echoing the restricted-free-agent leverage used on Jonathan Kuminga a year ago.
Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson refused a workout, mirroring Ace Bailey’s refusal last season, prompting analysts to watch the Kessler saga for its roster-building impact.

Summary

Celtics Pursue Kessler

Boston Celtics are rumored to target Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade using the Anfernee Simons player exception.
Boston could include Sam Hauser and several draft picks to persuade the Utah Jazz.
Utah may trade Kessler now to avoid a contentious restricted-free-agency negotiation.
Analysts say Kessler’s contract expectations could exceed $27 million annually, influencing the deal.

History

Historical Context

LeBron James’s July 8 2010 sign-and-trade to the Miami Heat—sending four future first-round picks for a six-year, $110.1 million deal—redefined NBA free-agency and sparked the super-team era. That precedent now frames Walker Kessler’s restricted-free-agent saga, as the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics weigh sign-and-trade offers exceeding $27 million in the upcoming season.

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Kessler Offer Sheet

Walker Kessler will be a restricted free agent summer after the Jazz denied his extension.
He may receive a $14.6 million offer sheet.
The Jazz will match offer sheets, including a $7.1 million qualifying offer.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with $50 million in cap space, and teams have shown interest.
Jazz committed $95 million to Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. for 2026-27, while Kessler posted 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds before shoulder surgery.

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