Jazz's Walker Kessler Poised for Lucrative Contract After Trade Deadline

The young center's value has skyrocketed despite missing most of the season due to injury.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, a restricted free agent this summer, is expected to command a big contract after the trade deadline passed with limited options for teams seeking big man help. Kessler has been sidelined since the fifth game of the season with a shoulder injury, but his combination of shot-blocking and youth make him an attractive target for teams in need of a center. The Jazz have incentive to keep Kessler, as they are looking to build around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen and avoid further tanking.

Why it matters

Kessler's impending free agency comes at a time when the market for quality big men is thin, with several top centers already off the board via trade or free agency. This gives Kessler significant leverage to command a lucrative multi-year deal, either from the Jazz or another team looking to add a young, defensive-minded center to their roster.

The details

The Jazz have little choice but to match any offer Kessler receives in restricted free agency, as they will be operating above the salary cap due to the big contracts of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. Kessler's value has risen despite his injury, as teams seeking center help have limited options on the free agent market beyond older veterans or injury-prone players.

  • Kessler has not played since the fifth game of the 2026 NBA season.
  • Kessler will be a restricted free agent this summer.

The players

Walker Kessler

A fourth-year center for the Utah Jazz who will be a restricted free agent this summer.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A key part of the Jazz's future plans, along with Lauri Markkanen.

Lauri Markkanen

A key part of the Jazz's future plans, along with Jaren Jackson Jr.

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What they’re saying

“Kessler's market improved significantly by him doing nothing but resting his injured shoulder. He's one of the big winners of the trade deadline, and he wasn't even involved.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter and comedian (Yardbarker)

What’s next

The Jazz will have to decide whether to match any offer Kessler receives in restricted free agency this summer, as they look to build around Jackson and Markkanen.

The takeaway

Kessler's impending free agency highlights the scarcity of quality big men in the NBA, giving the young Jazz center significant leverage to command a lucrative multi-year deal despite missing most of the current season due to injury.