The ongoing thought process with the Utah Jazz currently is somewhere along the lines of, "Just wait until next year. They're going to be something." Many are very much anticipating Lauri Markkanen finally playing on a good Jazz team, but players are already looking forward to the potential pairing of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler next season.
KSL's Ben Anderson reported that Jazz players are already discussing the two of them taking the floor together next season, something that's not set in stone. This seemingly confirms that they are prepping for Kessler, a restricted free agent, to return next season.
Since it seems to be the other big topic of the day, I’ll just mention that I talked to several Jazz players after yesterday’s game about the team, scheme stuff next season, and every one of them brought up pairing JJJ and Walker Kessler together.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 12, 2026
Anderson didn't stop there, confirming what had already been reported days before: the Jazz turned down trade offers for Kessler, and that the Jazz's plan is to keep him.
Now, nothing is final until he signs the paper, but truly every sign to date points to Walker Kessler being the starting center for the Utah Jazz next season.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 12, 2026
However, getting back to JJJ and Kessler, it only takes a half a mind to understand why Jazzmen are already talking about this. Utah's defense has ranged from subpar to embarrassingly bad for the last three-and-a-half seasons. On paper, Jackson and Kessler are going to flip the switch on that end.
Both are plus-defenders and then some, who can make their own impact on defense in their own unique ways. Jackson used to be among the league's top shot-blockers, but the Jazz won't ask him to do that with Kessler back. Instead, he'll man the perimeter while Kessler holds the fort down low as the rim protector.
Even better, when Kessler goes to the bench, Jackson can slide into that role easily. There's so much to like about what these two can do together. They could be the best defensive pairing Utah has had since Mark Eaton and Karl Malone.
it won't take just them, but the fact that Jazz players are already bringing up what they'll do not only should excite fans for what's ahead, but also make the league fear the inevitable.
Could Kessler use this in negotiations this summer?
Even though Kessler and Jackson should be quite destructive together, it won't be official until Kessler and the Jazz can agree on his new deal. Apparently, it will not be pretty between the two sides this offseason.
The Jazz center will be at a disadvantage this summer from being a restricted free agent, but making it worse was the fact that his market dwindled considerably after Washington acquired Anthony Davis and Indiana acquired Ivica Zubac.
However, what Kessler could use to his advantage is that Utah can't afford to mess this up. Acquiring JJJ signaled that they're done tanking after this season. The switch will be flipped, and Kessler is supposed to be a big part of that equation.
So, while the two sides may differ on what Kessler's next deal should look like, he knows that he's not easily replaceable and can use that to play hardball. Fans want to see this duo go to town on the NBA next year, so while Utah wants him to meet their price, both sides know they can't let the prospect of this rare pairing slip through their fingers with so much at stake.