While most of the Washington Wizards’ rumors have circulated potential deadline deals, one report suggests they may be looking ahead to the offseason. The Wizards fail to get a deal done during the trade deadline. If that is the case, the team will pivot towards a rising star who will hit the open market. Who could it be? Most importantly, how would their game mesh with the current roster?
The Washington Wizards May Chase Young Utah Star In Offseason
With the trade deadline just weeks away, the Wizards have had several moves they’ve been reportedly mulling over. A potential trade for Zion Williamson would pair Trae Young with another former all-star. The Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes, while slowing, is still going on. The Wizards have even been linked to Jerami Grant and Immanuel Quickley recently.
However, if all else fails, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has reported that Washington may offer a significant contract to the young Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
“The Jazz are optimistic Walker Kessler will be back in Utah, and they have final say due to his restricted free agency…the word around the league is the Wizards are fairing to make him a significant offer.”
Should Washington pursue Kessler? He certainly has upside, but is that enough? More importantly, what would be a “significant offer?” Lastly, what would a potential fit look like?
Kessler’s Play
Despite only playing five games before suffering a season-ending injury this year, Kessler has potential written all over him. Kessler averaged a double-double for the first time in his career last season, with 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds. However, a major question that needs an immediate answer is what Kessler will look like after his return from his injury next season.
The big man was on track, albeit early on, for a career year. Through his five outings this season, Kessler was averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and three assists. He was shooting over 70% from both the field and three, and was on pace for an absolutely monstrous campaign.
Washington would benefit vastly from the addition of Kessler. However, a player of his value also requires a substantial amount of money. The Wizards do have that money sitting around, but how much is considered too much? Kessler will be entering the 2026 free agency as a restricted free agent, meaning Utah can match his contract and bring him back.
If the offer isn’t high enough, the Jazz will immediately match the contract. However, offering him a contract that is too large, you lose cap space for a player that may not return to the same level of competition. Grant Afseth reported in December that Kessler sought a pretty high number during contract negotiations, but Utah will be a hard team to beat in talks:
“Contract talks with Walker Kessler loom this offseason. As we previously reported, Kessler sought upwards of $120 million in total compensation in early discussions, a figure Utah was unwilling to meet. As it stands, Kessler would need to secure an offer of that magnitude on the open market for it to be matched. Utah, however, remains interested in retaining him.”
Kessler’s Potential Fit In Washington
Kessler’s fit with the Wizards would be intriguing. Offensively, he would provide plenty of scoring and elite rebounding, providing a major lift to the team. Defensively, Kessler would be an absolute anchor in the paint and provide another great rim protector beside the current league leader in blocks per game, Alex Sarr.
On offense, he led the league in offensive rebounds last season with 4.6 per game. While Washington is a decent rebounding unit on that end, being 14th in the league, adding Kessler would solidify them as a top rebounding team.
However, he would clog up the paint for the athletic wings on the team, like Cam Whitmore and Bilal Coulibaly. Sarr would have the most to lose, as he’s really found a great balance of three-point shooting while hunting inside scoring. Last season, Kessler shot 91.9% of all his attempts from inside the arc, and while he can hit threes, he doesn’t shoot many.
While the offense would look clunky at times, Washington’s defense would be elite. Sarr is currently leading the league, and adding Kessler would make the paint almost impossible to score in. Kessler averages 2.4 blocks over his career, which would tie him for the 14th highest mark in a career.
The Last Word
While out for the season, Kessler is worth monitoring in both trade talks and free agency during the offseason for the Washington Wizards. He’s an exceptional talent on both ends, being one of the few elite two-way big men in the league. While Utah will no doubt pay a fortune to retain him, the Wizards may try to test their luck. The Wizards would be an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference if they could outbid the Jazz.
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