According to Jake Fischer, the Utah Jazz are “determined to retain … Walker Kessler.”
From Fischer, who was talking about the Indiana Pacers and their recent deal to trade for Ivica Zubac:
Trading for Zubac likely cements the Pacers’ return to title contention in 2026-27 once Tyrese Haliburton is back from his crushing Achilles’ tear in Game 7 of last season’s NBA Finals. Numerous contacts with rival teams have suggested to me that the Pacers traded away too much for Zubac and could have waited until the summer to see what other options would have presented themselves, but I continue to hear that Utah is determined to retain restricted free agent-to-be Walker Kessler.
The Pacers have long coveted Kessler, sources say, but I would counter the skeptics and say that there is tangible wisdom to Indiana getting its frontcourt business done now if its other preferred target is not likely to be available.
Clearly, the Pacers traded for Zubac, knowing the Jazz would be re-signing Kessler. The signing of Jaren Jackson Jr. signaled that the Jazz are determined to be a competitive team next season. Knowing they have the restricted free agency rights to Kessler, there’s no reason for them to let him go or trade him.
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We’ve also gotten this same message from Tony Jones, who recently spoke on the radio and said the Jazz would be willing to match any offer that comes in.
It’s clear that Walker Kessler is firmly in the future plans for the Utah Jazz and the upcoming contention window that’s opening for them.
It goes without saying that some luck in the upcoming lottery would go a long way for that potential contention window.