For a fleeting moment, it felt like maybe there was a chance that the Celtics could land their center of the future and steal Walker Kessler from the Jazz. The 24-year-old beast was reportedly unhappy with the way that Utah was handling his restricted free agency, and I started dreaming of a scenario where Boston could swoop in with their $27+ million TPE and pull off a sign-and-trade.
But I think it’s safe to say we can kiss that one goodbye, as Tim McMahon has reported that Kessler turned down a five-year extension worth nearly $140 million from the Jazz already. That means he’s unhappy with an offer that would pay him nearly $28 million annually; in other words, more than the Celtics can make up with a trade exception.
If that wasn’t enough, the young center took to social media to clear the air and exclaimed that he loves Salt Lake City and that he has always wanted to be there. It seems hard to imagine a deal doesn’t get done with a Jazz team that is looking to take a big leap, with Kessler likely being a big part of that.
He has quickly proven to be one of the best rebounders, rim protectors, and rim-finishers in the league, with plenty of room to improve. He could easily be one of the best defensive anchors in the entire league before long, and there’s enough there on offense to believe he could become a legitimate two-way force.
Kessler is likely worthy of more than his market value
It also feels a bit unfair to point to a lack of points or production and the fact that he only played in five games last season. The Jazz have been tanking hard, and everybody knows it. Kessler, a promising young player, has been a good soldier and gone along with the plan, but make no mistake: he has sacrificed for the good of the team, and that’s likely the source of his frustrations.
He could have been making a massive impact on a winning team, or at least putting up monster numbers on a normal bad team. But Utah was on another level, and Kessler never got to fully showcase his game. The Jazz would be wise to take care of a young building block who has been around for the rough times.
He would have been a great backstop in Boston, but knowing what the Jazz have already offered and that they have matching rights in his restricted free agency, there’s no chance this is happening. Plus, as good a player as he is and can be, paying $30+ million a year for a center who’s not elite on both ends has proven to be a risky proposition.
For now, the Celtics should be just fine with Neemias Queta on a minimum or a team-friendly extension, Luka Garza coming off the bench on a minimum, Amari Williams on his minimum, and whatever cheap big they can add via the draft, trade, or free agency this summer.
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