Bulls Eyeing Walker Kessler as a Key Piece in Rebuild
The Chicago Bulls have recently secured the services of restricted free agent Josh Giddey, inking him to a four-year, $100 million contract. This move marks a significant step in their ongoing rebuild, and the Bulls could be poised to make more waves in restricted free agency next summer.
Opportunity in Restricted Free Agency
As reported, the Utah Jazz and their towering center Walker Kessler are unlikely to finalize a rookie-scale contract extension. This scenario sets Kessler up for restricted free agency next offseason. Over his three-year career, the 7-footer has established himself as one of the top shot blockers in the league, averaging an impressive 2.4 blocks per game.
With Chicago recently managing to retain Giddey during a competitive free agency period, they find themselves in a favorable position as they look ahead to next summer. The Bulls are expected to have ample cap space, allowing them to present Kessler with a lucrative offer that could serve as a potential successor to veteran Nikola Vucevic, who is entering the final year of his contract.
The Case for Kessler
The buzz around Kessler intensified following the news of the Jazz’s stalled extension talks. Andrew Hanlon from Pippen Ain’t Easy highlighted Kessler as an ideal target for the Bulls. He noted, “Chicago just experienced what restricted free agency can be like in today’s NBA during its contract standoff with Giddey, but the Bulls will be able to do what no team could with the Aussie this summer and back up the Brinks truck to lure Kessler out of Utah — Chicago is expected to have the most cap room of any team in the league in 2026.”
While previous trade discussions surrounding Kessler have seen the Jazz set a high asking price, the Bulls have the option to pursue a trade this season. Securing Kessler via trade would enhance their chances of re-signing him, as they would be able to match any offer he receives in 2026.
A Strategic Move for Chicago
The potential acquisition of Kessler could align perfectly with Chicago’s strategy to rebuild around rising talents like Matas Buzelis. With Vucevic’s future with the team uncertain, Kessler presents an ideal replacement, allowing the Bulls to infuse youthful energy into their roster as they continue their restructuring efforts.
As the Bulls navigate a transformative phase, the spotlight on Walker Kessler reflects not only the team’s ambition but also its vision for a promising future.
