After an efficient but injury-shortened season, the defensive anchor faces a massive payday and other potential suitors.
Utah Jazz defensive stalwart Walker Kessler only played five games this past season. However, in those five games, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. On top of averaging a double-double, Kessler also shot at a 70.3% clip from the field and 75% from beyond the arc.
Of course, five games is a small sample size, but that production can’t be ignored, and at only 24 years of age, Kessler still has room to grow his game. Injury concerns are definitely present, as his games played per season have dropped every year he’s been in the league, but his upside is too great to pass up.
Now set to be a restricted free agent, Kessler is primed to command a big contract despite his five-game campaign. ESPN’s Bobby Marks projected the big man's potential new contract and the best fit for him, should the Jazz forgo resigning him. Marks suggested that a four-year, $125 million contract, which would make Kessler one of the highest-paid centers in the league, would be enough to retain him.
With the ability to match any offer sheet, Utah should have no problem keeping the former Auburn Tiger around, but should the Atlanta Hawks or Los Angeles Lakers try to swoop in, as Marks suggested, things could get interesting.
Beyond Kessler, Marks tabbed Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. as two free agent targets for the Jazz, as both are unrestricted. Grimes had a down season in his first full year with the 76ers, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field. The 26-year-old guard only started 19 games for Philadelphia this year, but his output last season makes him worth the gamble, especially on a discounted contract.
Oubre Jr. also had a down campaign this year, but playing in 10 fewer games could have had something to do with it. The 30-year-old averaged 14.1 points per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor, and he accompanied that with an average of 5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. The former Kansas Jayhawk still believes in himself, saying, "I've averaged 20 points in this league and still found myself barely getting any contracts, right?" Depending on the financial situation, the Jazz may finally be the team to lock him down.
Regardless, this free agency is set to be a fun one for the Jazz as they’ll be looking to fill out their roster and finally compete after landing the No. 2 draft pick.
