Overview

• At media day on Sept. 29, Kessler said he is a little frustrated with negotiations but pledged to play winning basketball for the Jazz this season.
• Austin Ainge said the organization wants Kessler long term, yet multiple summer meetings did not produce a rookie-scale extension.
• Reporting indicates Utah made an offer, while Kessler’s camp is seeking a long-term deal approaching or possibly exceeding $100 million.
• The Jazz’s strategy keeps Kessler’s $14.9 million 2026 cap hold, preserves Bird rights and maintains the ability to match any offer sheet.
• The Lakers remain interested and, per reporting, plan to revisit trade talks this season after earlier efforts stalled over Utah’s high asking price.