Jazz, Walker Kessler prepare for NBA Free Agency as Lakers loom

The Salt Lake City Summer League also tips off Saturday, giving fans a first look at Darryn Peterson, one of the most highly touted rookies in franchise history.

Related: Darryn Peterson opens up about getting No. 22 from Kyle Filipowski

Rumblings on Walker Kessler, Jazz, Lakers

With free agency set to open Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers are widely viewed as one of the few, and possibly the only landing spot for Kessler if he does not return to Utah.

The Chicago Bulls acquired Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets, closing one potential destination for Kessler in Chicago while creating another possible opening in Brooklyn.

While the Nets still hold roughly $40 million in cap space, they re-signed big man Day’Ron Sharpe to a two-year, $20 million deal on Monday, which may signal a lack of interest in adding the Jazz center to their roster.

Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe intends to sign a new two-year, $20 million deal to return to the franchise, sources tell ESPN. Nets declined Sharpe’s team option to do a new contract, just as they did with Josh Minott. pic.twitter.com/gNj9REx2Ix

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026

That leaves the Lakers as the primary suitor for Kessler if he leaves Utah during the 2026 offseason.

However, the Lakers face a disadvantage in pursuing Kessler due to his restricted free agency.

The Jazz retain the right to match any offer sheet for the Auburn product, and opposing teams must wait through the first week of free agency before formally presenting a contract.

Though the Lakers and Kessler can discuss potential deals when free agency opens June 30, the team cannot extend an official offer until July 6, when the league moratorium lifts.

Utah would then have 48 hours to match the offer or allow Kessler to depart. That process would force the Lakers to reserve more than $30 million in cap space for up to eight days while the rest of the league continues building rosters.

I know Jazz fans are anxious to get the Walker Kessler issue resolved.

Remember, no other team can offer him a deal as an RFA until July 6 when the moratorium ends.

So, unless teams start to take themselves off the market on Tuesday night (Lakers) this might drag out.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 29, 2026

That timeline could allow competing teams to sign unrestricted free agents like Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams in the coming days while the Lakers sit on the sidelines, awaiting Utah’s decision.

The gamble could secure Los Angeles its starting center of the future alongside Luka Doncic, or it could backfire and leave the team with another season of DeAndre Ayton leading the frontcourt.

To create the necessary cap space, the Lakers would need to renounce several free agents, including LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Such moves in the coming days could signal the organization’s intent to construct a significant offer sheet.

The Lakers and Jazz could also explore a sign-and-trade that sends Kessler to Los Angeles in exchange for assets. However, as of the weekend, neither side had discussed such a deal, potentially indicating interest in other paths.

Utah’s five-year, $137.5 million offer remains available to Kessler, though both sides can still adjust the structure of the contract.

Ultimately, the Lakers’ moves over the next 48 hours should clarify their intentions, but ahead of free agency, Kessler remaining in Utah appears to be the most likely outcome.

Jazz Summer League roster taking shape

While attention centers on Kessler, the Jazz are also assembling their roster for the Salt Lake City Summer League, which opens this weekend.

Rookie Darryn Peterson is set to make his debut Saturday at the Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus, and he will share the floor with several familiar names.

Last year’s No. 5 overall pick, Ace Bailey, is expected to play, along with former No. 10 pick Cody Williams.

Sounds like Ace Bailey and Cody Williams will both play for the Jazz at Summer League.

Not sure how many games. https://t.co/KVF3AfY5xW

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 29, 2026

It remains unclear whether Bailey or Williams will participate in both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer League events, but the games represent valuable opportunities for both wings as they enter their second and third seasons.

Williams has been a frequent presence at the Jazz practice facility this offseason and has worked extensively to solidify his NBA future.

Bailey also has continued developing on and off the court during his second summer with the organization, and was in attendance for the Jazz’s draft party last Tuesday.

Two-way signees Blake Hinson and Tamar Bates are also expected to play, forming a sharpshooting duo likely to split time between the Jazz and the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars this coming season.

One of the stories from the offseason is Blake Hinson apparently having shed around 20 lbs.

If he continues to shoot it as well as he did to end last season he has a chance to breakthrough on the roster. pic.twitter.com/4aD5lr8bb3

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 29, 2026

Hinson has dropped significant weight since joining the Jazz and has spent the offseason training in Utah with teammates. He shot 47 percent from 3-point range on more than five attempts per game across 14 appearances last season.

Bates spent a season on a two-way deal with the Denver Nuggets but has not yet appeared in an NBA game.

Rookie Micah Handlogten, the son of former Jazz player Ben Handlogten, is also expected to suit up, along with Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler.

Second-year guards Bez Mbeng and Hayden Gray have appeared in team social media workouts alongside veterans and will join the Summer League roster.

Keyonte George taking leadership role with Jazz

Darryn Peterson revealed he went to dinner with fourth-year guard Keyonte George on his first night in Utah.

George sat in the front row at Peterson’s introductory news conference and, along with Cody Williams, has spent much of the offseason in Utah refining his game.

Throughout his time with the Jazz, George has established himself as a true basketball junkie, attending pre-draft workouts and the NBA Combine after representing the team at the draft lottery.

Over the past year, he has taken on a more visible leadership role and continues to strengthen that presence as the Jazz prepare for the 2026-27 season.

The Jazz open Summer League play Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.