The Utah Jazz aren't thinking about Walker Kessler's next deal because they won't have to. Yet. What also helps is the fact that despite being a quality center, Kessler's not going to get much traction on the free agency market because he's restricted and fewer teams are looking for a center. For that reason, Utah shouldn't overthink this.
During his latest appearance on ESPN700 with Spence Checketts, Tim MacMahon revealed that the only two options Kessler really has on the table are either trying to reach a compromise or see what a suitor will give him. In other words, he's confirming just how much leverage Utah has in this situation.
"They're going to have to reach some sort of a middle ground," MacMahon said. "Or, listen, the Jazz might just hold firm with what they put on the table and say, 'If you think you're worth more than that, and if you can get a team to sign you to an offer sheet, we'll have a decision to be made."
In the past, MacMahon has made it clear that, despite everything working against him this summer, he will not make this process easy for the Jazz, which he's more than welcome to try. It's not like Utah is going to pay him pennies, but in a situation like this, there's quite literally no reason to pay him more than what he's worth when suitors won't do that themselves.
This situation will drag out, but it's hard to see how Utah loses
Anyone who knows the Jazz's cap situation knows that they will likely go after other free agents first before re-signing Kessler because if they take care of Kessler first, they wouldn't have cap space to use.
Even so, there will be rumors and whatnot, but it really feels like this situation will end the way everyone thinks it will: with him back in a Jazz uniform next season. Better yet, it's hard to imagine how he wouldn't be re-signed on a deal Utah deems appropriate.
In Kessler's case, it is a shame that there was really nothing he could have done to influence this situation outside of letting hi splay on the court do the talking. Making it harder for him is that he played four years for a team that intentionally avoided the playoffs.
If it's any consolation, he will still get a pay raise and will play for team both vying for the playoffs and will need him to get there. Too bad he won't be able to use that to his advantage when the two sides discuss his next deal.
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