Utah Jazz weigh a major commitment—should Walker Kessler command $25–30 million per year? David Locke breaks down the latest contract rumors, analyzing Kessler’s true defensive impact, offensive strides, and how his possible salary stacks up against NBA peers like Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, and Jarrett Allen. What does this mean for the Jazz’s roster construction under the new CBA, with big contracts for Keyonte George looming? Locke explores key playoff insights: to be a rotation piece on a contender, young Jazz players like Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, and Bryce need to become two-way threats and reliable three-point shooters. Can the current Utah core mirror championship contenders in balancing star salaries, retaining flexibility, and developing high-value draft talent? Get the full breakdown on the Jazz’s future, potential cap crunch, and which players might be playoff rotation locks. 00:00 — Walker Kessler Contract Talks 16:53 — NBA Playoff Salary Structures 27:36 — Jazz Roster Playoff Readiness Locked On Jazz Podcast 💻 https://www.lockedonjazz.net Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-jazz/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Follow David Locke on Twitter: 📲 https://twitter.com/DLocke09 #NBA #UtahJazz #WillHardy #DannyAinge #jordanclarkson #laurimarkkanen Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. DoorDash From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash. Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door. DoorDash. In your bag all season long. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
