Utah Jazz Center Expresses Frustration Over Contract Situation
Sep 29, 2025, 12:19 PM | Updated: Sep 30, 2025, 12:53 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is entering the final season of his rookie contract after failing to reach terms with the franchise on an extension before training camp.
The former Auburn big man discussed the situation at Jazz media day on Monday, September 29.
“Today’s media day, so I assumed I’d get a question like this,” Kessler said when asked about his contract. “I just want to say, ya know, I don’t want to talk about it after today.”
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Kessler took a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing.
“Tomorrow is training camp to start the season. I don’t want to be a distraction for me or my teammates,” he began. “That being said, I’m definitely a little frustrated… regardless, you know, 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.”
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About Walker Kessler
The seven-foot center began his college career at North Carolina in 2020 before transferring to Auburn after one season.
Kessler averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and an astounding 4.6 blocks in 25.6 minutes per game with the Tigers in 2021-22. He was named to the NCAA 3rd Team following his sophomore season.
After entering the draft that summer, Kessler was chosen 22nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies with a pick that was initially sent from Utah to Memphis in the 2019 Mike Conley trade.
Memphis dealt Kessler to Minnesota before he was ultimately rerouted to Utah with a host of players and picks in a July 2022 trade that sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
At the break the @utahjazz trail the @raptors 57-46.
Outside of Walker Kessler matching the franchise record with 18 first half rebounds, not a lot to celebrate.#TakeNotepic.twitter.com/grOfPmw5kJ
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 8, 2025
Kessler showed flashes of defensive greatness as a rookie, averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 boards, and 2.3 blocks while finishing third in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
He regressed in his second year, posting averages of 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while playing 64 games (22 starts).
The Atlanta, Georgia native established himself as a quality NBA starter in 2024-25. Kessler was the best defensive player in Utah by a wide stretch, anchoring a Jazz defense that struggled mightily all year.
He averaged career-highs in points (11.1) and rebounds (12.2), while blocking 2.4 shots a night. Kessler was a force in the paint, shooting 66.3 percent from the field.
Follow the Utah Jazz with KSL Sports
The Jazz begin the 2025-26 regular season at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, October 22. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. MT.
All Jazz games will be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM). Occasionally, KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) will also pick up Jazz games.
Utah Jazz fans can watch the team’s games next season for free over the air on KJZZ TV and can stream the games through a paid streaming-based platform on the team’s website. KJZZ is currently broadcast on channel 14.1.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10- 12 p.m. with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
