Just when it seemed as though the Los Angeles Lakers could move on from dreaming of trading for Walker Kessler, failed extension negotiations have rekindled the flame. Kessler and the Utah Jazz have reportedly been unable to agree to a new contract and will thus resume conversations in 2026.
In the most unlikely of outcomes, the very franchise that once declined an offer that included two first-round draft picks for Kessler is now refusing to extend him—and the Lakers could be the winners of that development.
Kessler, 24, has quickly emerged as one of the most coveted rim protectors in the NBA. He's among the most productive interior-based bigs in the Association, combining youth and upside with immediate value in a way that inevitably intrigued Utah and rival teams alike.
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, however, Kessler and the Jazz were unable to agree to terms on a contract extension and will now enter 2025-26 in a state of uncertainty.
"The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler will not reach an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension, league sources tell The Athletic, which clears the way for the starting center to reach restricted free agency next summer."
Suddenly, the very team that refused to trade Kessler for two first-round draft picks is unwilling to meet his contract demands—and the Lakers are thus back in the picture.
Jazz fail to extend Walker Kessler, opening door for Lakers trade
There's a measure of team-building logic behind Utah not signing Kessler to an extension. His $14.9 million cap hold for the 2026 offseason would leave enough space for the Jazz to make meaningful moves in free agency before re-signing him.
In the event that Utah were to sign Kessler to an extension now, his cap hold would undoubtedly increase with his new salary—thus restricting the franchise's mobility in free agency.
Kessler's status as a restricted free agent permits the existence of said approach, as the Jazz will be able to match any offer sheet he receives. The reality remains, however, that Utah has gone from being unwilling to trade Kessler for anything less than a star-caliber haul to failing to extend him.
Financial flexibility may seem ideal to the front office, but Kessler may not be as fond of this outcome as Austin Ainge might be—thus creating the room for dissension and resurgent trade rumors.
Los Angeles will likely be at the heart of those rumors as a team that's long been linked to Kessler. The Lakers are in the market for a rim protector who can crash the offensive glass and provide value above the rim, and the 24-year-old checks each of those boxes.
Deandre Ayton may ultimately prove that Los Angeles doesn't need to trade for a center, but until that outcome comes about, the trade market will be a factor—and Kessler will likely be a target.
Kessler is coming off of a season in which he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game. It was further confirmation of his status as one of the best shot-blockers and offensive rebounders in the NBA.
It's unclear if Utah will be reasonable in its trade demands for Kessler, but the door appears at least slightly ajar for the Lakers to bring that value back to Los Angeles given the failed extension.