Securing frontcourt depth with a reliable double-double threat provides Utah crucial leverage as contentious contract talks and injury concerns cast doubt on Walker Kessler’s long-term future.
The Utah Jazz have re-signed a big man before the NBA's legal tampering begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. — just not the one you think.
While Utah continues to ponder what it will do regarding restricted free agent Walker Kessler, CEO Danny Ainge and the rest of the Jazz's brass opted to secure some frontcourt depth.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Jusuf Nurkic intends to sign a two-year, $22 million deal to return to Salt Lake City. And it makes sense as to why.
Not only have the contract talks with Kessler been ... difficult ... but when the rebounding specialist went down early this past season, Nurkic was quietly great.
For the first time since the 2023-24 campaign, Nurkic averaged a double-double, posting 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.3% from the field in 41 games.
For a 31-year-old bench big, that's as much production as head coach Will Hardy could ask for.
But could there be more to this development than just center security?
Absolutely.
And it all revolves around Kessler.
Negotiations between Kessler and the Jazz have been anything but smooth, with the two sides reportedly far apart on a new deal despite Utah putting a five-year, nearly $140 million extension on the table.
He's a great young player and was a major part of the trade that got Ainge to move off of Rudy Gobert back in 2022 — but the number he's after isn't something the Jazz should realistically be willing to offer.
Plus, the health aspect certainly plays a role.
Every year he's been in the league following his rookie season, Kessler has played in less games than the year prior. That's a bit of a concern, especially considering that the 24-year-old is seeking nearly a quarter of Utah's total cap space.
Now with Nurkic back in the fold, the void Kessler could potentially leave behind appears to have shrunken.
Nurkic will have a full offseason under Hardy to rely on come the beginning of next season, and with the emergence of 2024 second-rounder Kyle Filipowski, the Jazz may no longer need to desperately try and prevent Kessler from heading elsewhere.
Not to mention, Jaren Jackson Jr. could easily slide into Kessler's starting five-spot, a position that he transitioned to early in his career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
At first glance, re-upping Nurkic is just a smart depth move for a playoff hopeful. But if you look closer, it could be a sign that Kessler won't remain where he planted his roots.
