Jazz Exec Shares Optimism About Kessler's Future in Utah

Utah Jazz president Austin Ainge discusses the team's relationship with restricted free agent Walker Kessler and the plan to bring him back next season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and positioning of a basketball player in a defensive stance, rendered in shades of navy, teal, and mustard yellow.The Jazz's defensive anchor Walker Kessler will be a key free agent target this offseason as the team looks to rebuild its identity around the young shot-blocker.Salt Lake City Today

Despite a tough season rehabbing a labrum injury, the Utah Jazz remain high on defensive anchor Walker Kessler and are confident they can work out a new contract with the 24-year-old big man this offseason. Jazz president Austin Ainge praised Kessler's work ethic and commitment during his injury recovery and said the team is 'big fans' of the young center, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.

Why it matters

Kessler has emerged as a key part of the Jazz's future, providing elite rim protection and rebounding. Retaining him is crucial for the team's defensive improvement after finishing last in the league in defensive rating for the third straight season. Reaching a new contract agreement will be a top priority for the Jazz front office this offseason.

The details

Kessler, who averaged 11.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 63 games over the last two seasons, is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. While the two sides were unable to agree on a contract extension before this past season, Ainge said the relationship is in a good place and they are confident they can work out a new deal. Kessler had expressed some frustration last year about not getting an extension, but Ainge said the team had a 'great meeting' with the young center and they're 'big fans' of him.

  • Kessler suffered a labrum injury in November 2025 and has been rehabbing throughout the 2026 season.
  • Kessler will be a restricted free agent this summer when the free agency period opens.

The players

Walker Kessler

A 24-year-old center for the Utah Jazz who has emerged as a defensive anchor for the team, averaging a double-double and over 2 blocks per game in his first two NBA seasons.

Austin Ainge

The president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz, who oversees the team's front office and player personnel decisions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had a great meeting with Walker yesterday. He had a tough year of rehabbing. And I was so proud of him and how he showed up.”

— Austin Ainge, President of Basketball Operations, Utah Jazz

“He was usually here at 8 AM doing this rehab and on the treadmill and doing what he could with various limitations. He showed up with a smile every day. We're big fans, but we've got to figure it out to sort of contract.”

— Austin Ainge, President of Basketball Operations, Utah Jazz

“I don't want to talk about it after today. I don't want it to be a distractor for me or my teammates. With that being said, I'm definitely a little frustrated if I don't [get signed].”

— Walker Kessler

What’s next

The Jazz and Kessler will need to negotiate a new contract this offseason, with Kessler set to become a restricted free agent. The team is confident they can work out a deal to keep the young center in Utah for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

The Jazz's relationship with Walker Kessler appears to be in a good place, despite some past contract frustrations. Retaining the defensive anchor will be a top priority this offseason as the team looks to improve its league-worst defense and build around Kessler as a core piece of the future.