Walker Kessler frustrated by lack of contract extension with the Jazz

The Utah Jazz held their annual media day Monday, with training camp set to kick off Tuesday morning.

Without a doubt, the most notable moment of the day came from fourth-year center Walker Kessler, who all-but confirmed that there hasn’t been any positive movement toward him getting an extension signed, and expressed disappointment with the team.

For context, Kessler is extension-eligible, but an extension needs to be signed by Oct. 20 (the day before the 2025-26 season begins). If an extension doesn’t get done by then, Kessler will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Sources close to the situation have told the Deseret News that an extension is unlikely to happen before the start of the season.

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Here is what Kessler said on Monday:

“I know today’s media day, so I was assuming I’d get a question like this. So I just want to say, I don’t want to talk about it after today, just because I think during the season — tomorrow’s training camp, it’s the start of the season — I don’t want it to be a distractor for me or for my teammates.

“But, that being said, I’m definitely a little frustrated with how, you know, if I don’t ... but regardless, I love Utah. I love the fan base. I love my teammates, I love the coaches, and as long as I have a Utah Jazz jersey on, I will play winning basketball, and I want to, and I love it. And I think for as long as I’m here, I’m going to play winning basketball.”

The situation can be understood from both sides. Kessler has been one of the few bright spots over the last few years with the Jazz and has even garnered interest from other teams, who are impressed with his shot-blocking overall game. So, his team wants to lock down a long-term, lucrative contract.

On the other side, the Jazz want the cap space flexibility that waiting to sign Kessler will give them in 2026 and also will have the benefit of seeing how his fourth season plays out.

The question now is, will Kessler be able to separate his frustration with the decisions of the front office from his everyday life with the team?