It’s bad enough that the Utah Jazz lost Walker Kessler this year when he started the season so well. The loss of a center who looked like he was continuing to thrive stood out during a contract year. What’s even worse is that Kessler isn’t getting the chance to showcase himself, unlike some other players in his position who are currently doing well.
Kessler won’t be the only center facing restricted free agency this summer. Other centers like Jalen Duren and Mark Williams will also be on the market this summer, and both have made it clear that they are in line for some big paydays, regardless of whether it is with their current team or not.
In addition to making it clear how much the Jazz would miss Kessler right away, it appears Duren has taken another step this season. With an average of nearly 20-10 and a pivotal role in why the Pistons have been as good as advertised, there’s no doubt that Duren will make Detroit regret the day they dare to play games with him this season.
While Duren has increased the box score, Williams hasn’t been nearly as dominant but has proven to be just as crucial to the Suns who have started this season surprisingly well – and made a certain someone look pretty stupid in the process.
Even though their numbers are different, both have proven to their respective teams that keeping them on the roster for the long term is in the teams’ best interest. Kessler proved that before this season even started, but it’s a shame that because he won’t get the same opportunities as these two, it could impact the money he sees this summer.
On the other hand, what they get could determine Kessler’s price
If Duren and Williams keep this up (or possibly improve), Kessler could use what they get to determine his price tag this season. If they get paid more than $100 million, Kessler could use that to his advantage. He could argue that he’s also the better player of the three, which Utah would have a hard time disagreeing with.
Even with Kessler dealing with one of the worst injuries in recent history, he has proven enough to leave no doubt that the Jazz are better off keeping him on the team. Unfortunately, the injury makes it more unclear for both parties to determine what the right price will be.
Duren and Williams may have more competitive markets than Kessler this summer, but he should get paid what he’s owed. Duren and Williams were very good at determining how much.
#Walker #Kesslers #bad #news #coming #hes #sidelines