Restricted free agency in the NBA has always been an adventure, and 2025's class has been no exception, as Jonathan Kuminga, Quentin Grimes, Josh Giddey, and Cam Thomas remain unsigned. While Utah Jazz fans may worry about what this means for Walker Kessler, they really shouldn't because he's on stronger ground with Utah than any of those players mentioned above.
Kessler, who is eligible for an extension, still remains without one. Odds are, it will stay that way going into this coming season, but not because the Jazz don't believe in him. It's more advantageous for the Jazz to wait until next summer to do it, and if you want more details, read this.
Still, it might be a little scary to think Utah might drag this out because they have done that with Gordon Hayward, and they came to regret it. However, teams are typically transparent with players about their free agency situations ahead of time, and it wouldn't be surprising at all if they've let him know he's got nothing to worry about.
And why would they? Kessler had a fantastic third season with the Jazz. He not only re-established himself as one of the league's rim protectors, but is also one of the best offensive rebounders. Here's to hoping that they don't continue that three-point experiment they rolled out at the end of the last season.
Even if some teams are playing hardball with their restricted free agents, that doesn't mean the Jazz will do the same with Kessler. The difference between him and the other current restricted free agents is that he simply is a lot more proven than those four are and he's harder to replace.
Kuminga has shown his talent, but he hasn't shown that he makes Golden State better when he's on the floor. Giddey looked fantastic from the All-Star break to the end of this past season, but that sample size is not big. Grimes is also in the same league as Giddey. Cam Thomas hasn't really proved that he's a winning player.
To be fair, Kessler technically hasn't helped Utah win anything either, but anyone who's watched knows that's not his fault.
The only way Utah's plans with Kessler could change
Technically, we won't get official closure on this subject until Kessler signs on the dotted line, which again, won't happen until next summer. However, there's only one way the Jazz may decide to play hardball: if he has another slump.
Lest we forget, Kessler had an underwhelming sophomore slump, which fueled plenty of trade rumors that have only just recently stopped (thanks Deandre Ayton!). While it doesn't seem likely that he would revert back to that - players who are playing for their next deal typically are on their A-game - it must be acknowledged that it's happened before.
The odds of it happening are nil, but that is the only way Utah would change its mind on what to do with Kessler. However, in case anyone doesn't know by now, a Jazz executive has confirmed that Kessler will be a Jazzman for a while. It would be inconceivable for things to change by this time next year.