The Utah Jazz are dealing with some Walker Kessler contract drama. However, Kyle Filipowski may be hoping Kessler goes elsewhere, and Lauri Markkanen’s former team, the Chicago Bulls, could steal him away. A Kessler exit could open up the chance for Filipowski to start alongside Jaren Jackson Jr.
Filipowski has been a big part of the Jazz’s rotation for the past two seasons (his first two in the league). He started 41 games this past year, but Kessler was out with an injury for most of the season, which created more opportunities. Should Kessler leave, Filipowski could quickly become a regular starter in Utah.
And that could be very interesting.
Walker Kessler leaving would be good for Kyle Filipowski
Reports have indicated that Kessler wants more money than the Jazz have been offering. A lot more. And it’s getting to the point where the two sides may end up having to solve things in restricted free agency.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reported that the Jazz have offered Kessler a five-year deal worth around $140 million. But Kessler wants more than that.
That contract would see Kessler make an average annual value of $28 million. Not enough for what Kessler and his camp think he should be making moving forward.
As a result, teams could look to steal Kessler away from the Jazz in restricted free agency, and the Bulls may be one of those teams. They should have the money, and they have a very weak center position.
If they draft Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Chicago could roll out a starting lineup of Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Wilson, Kessler, and a shooting guard. That’s not terrible.
And it would mean good things for Filipowski, who has shown some serious potential. He’s good with the ball in his hands, smart on defense, and his jump shot has shown some flashes.
Alongside the defensive roaming of Jackson, Filipowski’s offense could help take the Jazz to another level, especially while playing with Markkanen, Keyonte George, and (likely) Darryn Peterson.
Obviously, it doesn’t seem like the Jazz are too keen on losing Kessler in free agency. They probably want to keep him next to Jackson, fortifying one of the best defensive frontcourts in the NBA.
However, from Filipowski’s perspective, Kessler leaving would open up a lot more minutes for him. And his potential offensive versatility may be an intriguing fit next to Jackson and the rest of Utah’s lineup.
Add us as a preferred source on Google