The Atlanta Hawks need an upgrade in the frontcourt. It's impossible to ignore after New York dominated them in the trenches, sending them home after just six first-round games. That specific upgrade could end up falling right into their hands after the Utah Jazz make some uncomfortable decisions.
Walker Kessler is set to hit restricted free agency this summer, and while it would make sense for them to bring him back, their cap sheet could suggest otherwise. If they choose to let him go elsewhere, Atlanta could be in prime position to land him. He addresses a dire need and the Hawks might just have enough room for him.
Utah has too many other players they're committing to long-term
While the idea of bringing back Kessler to finalize their talented frontcourt sounds like a perfect scenario, the reality of cost-cutting in today's NBA could prevent them from doing so. After acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies just before February's trade deadline, they simply have too much money committed to two already-rostered frontcourt players.
Both Lauri Markannen and Jaren Jackson Jr. are set to make over $45 million next season. Kessler's projected to see offers around the annual range of $30 million, and while the Jazz can match anything that's thrown towards him, it's difficult to see why they would.
Marks listed Atlanta as a fit for Walker Kessler. https://t.co/EwrzUTbqqM
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) May 23, 2026
Also, while decisions with some of their younger players aren't imminent, it's impossible to ignore that they'll have to throw a decent bag at Keyonte George sooner rather than later. That's not even considering they're set to make the second-overall selection in this upcoming NBA Draft, a class expected to land them a true franchise player.
It's not difficult to quickly understand why Kessler, while a very talented young big, would likely be the odd man out in all of this movement.
Atlanta suddenly could see their dream long-term big become available
If they do decide to let him go, the Hawks should be first in line. It wouldn't come without having to make a couple of tough choices of their own, but it would be undeniably worth it for a player of Kessler's caliber.
They have a few internal decisions to make, including whether or not to bring back unrestricted free agents CJ McCollum and Jock Landale. They must also weigh the pros and cons of either picking up Jonathan Kuminga's team option, re-signing him to a long-term deal or letting him walk.
Regardless, if they truly want a realistic shot at Kessler, they won't be able to bring everyone back. This would be a sacrifice worth making, as Atlanta would never have to worry about being dominated down low like they were against New York again.
Bring him home, Onsi.
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