The Toronto Raptors desperately need a big man and Walker Kessler would be a great fit.
The NBA offseason has been headlined with rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future and which teams are positioning themselves to acquire the two-time MVP. While Antetokounmpo’s situation rightfully deserves to be talked about, another player in the Western Conference could also redefine the summer.
Walker Kessler has grown unhappy with the Utah Jazz’s handling of his restricted free agency, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The 24-year-old center was already frustrated after Utah declined to offer him an extension last offseason. His discontent has reportedly deepened as the Jazz prepare to use their right of first refusal to limit his market, leaving him strongly considering a future elsewhere.
Utah can make Kessler a restricted free agent by issuing a $7.1 million qualifying offer, a one-year contract that gives the Jazz the right to match any offer sheet he signs elsewhere. His options beginning July 1 include signing an offer sheet with a rival team, pursuing a sign-and-trade, or accepting the qualifying offer and positioning himself for unrestricted free agency in 2027.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks have all made significant pushes to acquire Kessler in the past. The Indiana Pacers also pursued him ahead of the February trade deadline before pivoting to Ivica Zubac. The substantial package Indiana ultimately sent for Zubac illustrates the type of value Kessler could command on the open market.
The Raptors had consistently been identified as a suitor across multiple trade windows, and their need for a rim-protecting, rebounding center has not diminished entering the 2026-27 season.
Despite suffering a shoulder injury in 2024-25, Kessler averaged 12.2 rebounds, 11.1 points and 2.4 blocks in 58 games. He has an elite defensive profile that directly addresses one of Toronto’s most persistent frontcourt weaknesses. Jakob Poeltl remains under contract but has faced criticism from portions of the fan base, while Collin Murray-Boyles, despite his versatility, is not a traditional center in most lineups.
Despite appearing in only five games during the 2025-26 season because of a torn left labrum that required surgery, Kessler remains one of the league’s most coveted rim protectors. At 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and the mobility to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll coverage, he would give Darko Rajakovic a defensive anchor capable of changing the complexion of an entire defense.
The Raptors finished outside the top 15 in defensive rating last season, largely because of their vulnerabilities at the five. Kessler would address that issue immediately and for the long term.
The challenge, however, is acquiring him. Even if Kessler signs an offer sheet with Toronto on July 1, Utah retains the right to match it. A trade would require the Jazz to move a player they have consistently indicated they want to keep, and their leverage in a restricted free agency scenario remains significant. As recently as May 28, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported that Utah appeared committed to retaining Kessler and projected his next contract in the $25-30 million annual range.
Still, there may be an opening. Utah’s frontcourt already includes Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, and the Jazz could add another frontcourt cornerstone with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. If Utah selects AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer, the financial and positional case for a long-term Kessler commitment becomes more complicated.
That is why general manager Bobby Webster should already be exploring a sign-and-trade framework. A package built around Immanuel Quickley’s $32.5 million salary, a first-round pick and additional assets could give Utah a legitimate rotation guard while helping Toronto solve one of its biggest roster needs.
The NBA draft is set for June 23 and if Utah adds another frontcourt player at the top of the board, Kessler’s long-term future becomes even murkier. If the Raptors are serious about pursuing him, Webster’s best opportunity to begin those conversations is now, before the draft clarifies Utah’s plans and before other interested teams intensify their pursuit.
