Overview
- Reporters first said on June 17 that Kessler rejected a reported five-year, roughly $140 million offer from the Jazz and that his camp is seeking a higher annual value.
- Kessler posted on Instagram saying he wants to remain in Utah and that he loves the city, his teammates and the fans, a public message that seeks to calm fan concern even as talks continue.
- As a restricted free agent, Kessler’s Bird rights let Utah match any offer sheet and the team has exclusive negotiating rights through June 30 before the NBA moratorium opens in July.
- Multiple teams including the Lakers, Bulls, Hawks and Pacers have been linked to Kessler, giving him leverage to pursue an offer sheet or a different contract structure.
- Kessler missed most of last season with labrum surgery but showed strong per-game production in limited action, and the Jazz face roster and payroll decisions that could shape whether they match a larger offer.