Overview

• Multiple reports say no rookie-scale extension is expected before the Oct. 20 deadline, placing Kessler on his $4.9 million final rookie year and into restricted free agency in 2026.
• The sides held multiple offseason meetings and Utah made a formal offer, but negotiations remained far apart, according to The Athletic.
• Team officials still view Kessler as a cornerstone and have resisted trade overtures in past windows, signaling a preference to keep him long term.
• Delaying the deal preserves maximum flexibility for the Jazz next summer, as rival teams with projected cap space — notably the Lakers — could test Utah with an offer sheet that the Jazz retain the right to match.
• Kessler’s rising value follows a breakout 2024-25 season with averages of 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks on 66.3% shooting, with a larger role potentially increasing his market price.