Jazz owner makes Walker Kessler stance clear amid rumors

The Utah Jazz recently took a step into the future by selecting point guard Darryn Peterson with the number two overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson figures to be a day one starter for the Jazz as they look to work their way out of the NBA basement and toward contention.

This summer, rumors have been swirling around Walker Kessler, who is reportedly not on the same page as the Jazz in contract negotiations as he enters restricted free agency.

However, recently, Jazz owner Ryan Smith made his stance clear on Kessler’s impact on the Jazz during an appearance on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show.

“We love Walk. He’s a big piece of where we’re going,” said Smith, per Run It Back on X, formerly Twitter.

Kessler is a former first-round pick of the Jazz who has quickly become one of the NBA’s best shot blockers and rebounders, all while trying to add a three-point shot to his game on the other end of the floor. The big man has dealt with some serious injury concerns throughout his career, missing most of last season for Utah, but when he is healthy, he figures to form one of the most imposing front lines in the league alongside Lauri Markkanen and last year’s trade acquisition, Jaren Jackson Jr.

Still, clearly, the two sides don’t exactly see eye-to-eye on a contract figure at the current juncture, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of offers Kessler will get from other teams in free agency, and whether or not the Jazz are willing to match any and every offer sheet that comes his way.

NBA free agency is slated to get underway on June 30.

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