The Walker Kessler extension saga is about to begin for the Utah Jazz. They already had the leverage with him being a restricted free agent, but as more time has passed, more of his potential suitors have dropped out of the running, which helps them more than him. It's going to get worse for him, too, because teams will likely chase unrestricted free agents first, like Mitchell Robinson.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer didn't mention Kessler in his latest rumors, but his latest intel centering around Robinson say the quiet part out loud about Kessler's market this summer: teams will go after the players that are easier to acquire than the Jazz center.
"Teams regularly relayed to me when I've asked around about Robinson's status have pointed to the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors. Those are all clubs known to be looking for center upgrades," Fischer wrote.
Robinson is an unrestricted free agent, which alone gives teams a much better chance of getting him (even if the odds aren't great) than they would for Kessler. Also, if Robinson signs with one of those teams, that's one less suitor to worry about for Utah, which further damages his leverage in extension talks.
Other big men around the same caliber as Robinson could or will also be unrestricted free agents, like Isaiah Hartenstein (team option) or Kristaps Porzingis. That could also be a problem, as it could mean fewer teams will vie for his services.
Robinson's price tag could work in Kessler's favor
Every previous free agent in Kessler's shoes uses what other free agents get as a bargaining chip if they are paid a hefty price tag. Robinson is a fantastic player, and some of the aforementioned teams by Fischer have money to spend. If they pay a good chunk of change for him, Kessler could use that in his favor.
The real X-factor will be whether Kessler and his camp will use the fact that Robinson is more of a specialist to set the bar for what the young center should be paid in Utah. Because he's injury-prone, Robinson has been relegated to more of a backup role, as the Knicks have seen time and time again
But if he gets paid a good amount for his limited services, Kessler could use that to his advantage against the Jazz, as, despite missing the majority of the 2025-26 season, he doesn't have nearly the same injury rap sheet that Robinson does.
The Jazz still hold pretty much all the cards, but what can factor into the deal Kessler inevitably agrees to will depend on what the other centers get in free agency. Robinson could play a big hand in that if he gets a raise on another team this summer.
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