Are the Utah Jazz risking a Jonathan Kuminga-style standoff with Walker Kessler? David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the implications of the franchise opting not to extend Kessler's contract, analyzing the potential fallout and the calculated gamble with cap flexibility for next offseason. Locke discusses what Jazz management stands to gain or lose by letting Kessler enter restricted free agency, comparing the situation to Kuminga’s tension with Golden State and debating the realistic market value for an established rim-protecting center like Kessler—including hypothetical trade scenarios involving Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks.

The episode also spotlights the rising stock of Keyonte George, unanimously named the Jazz’s summer MVP for his offseason transformation in strength, athleticism, and commitment. Locke offers sharp statistical targets for George’s upcoming season and evaluates whether Bryce Sensabaugh or Ace Bailey could emerge as Utah’s second-leading scorer behind Lauri Markkanen. Additional segments weigh the merits of playing Ace Bailey at the two, set fair expectations for Taylor Hendricks following last season’s major injury, and assess what the signing of Mo Bamba means for the team’s training camp and big-man rotation.

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