NBA Rumors: Jazz, Walker Kessler, Bulls, Norman Powell, Suns

Jazz

The Jazz are expected to have company in the pursuit of keeping restricted free agent center Walker Kessler.

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Kessler has meetings lined up with multiple teams once free agency opens Tuesday evening. Those discussions are expected to take place at CAA headquarters in Los Angeles.

Utah officially tendered Kessler a qualifying offer Monday, giving the franchise the right to match any offer sheet he signs elsewhere.

The two sides have been negotiating throughout the Jazz’s exclusive window, though reports indicated those talks have hit some bumps. Utah is believed to have offered a five-year contract worth roughly $140 million, but Kessler’s camp reportedly hasn’t been thrilled with how negotiations have unfolded.

Even so, leaguewide expectation remains that Kessler ultimately stays put. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that several teams are expected to express interest, but the prevailing belief is that the 7-foot-2 center eventually re-signs with Utah.

Meanwhile, the Jazz are also said to be searching for a veteran guard to complement their young backcourt.

Bulls

The Bulls continue to surface as a potential landing spot for veteran scorer Norman Powell.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype first reported Chicago among Powell’s possible suitors, with Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal hearing the same.

Powell, however, is not expected to pursue sign-and-trade scenarios involving the Heat, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

The veteran wing is coming off the best season of his career, earning his first All-Star selection after averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 47.0 percent from the field, 38.0 percent on 3-pointers and 82.7 percent from the foul line in 58 games.

Suns

The Suns remain focused on adding backcourt help with the taxpayer mid-level exception.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reported Phoenix has identified several veteran guards as potential targets.

Two names on that list are already off the board, as Kevin Huerter is expected to remain with the Pistons and Landry Shamet is headed back to the Knicks.

That leaves Luke Kennard, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and De’Anthony Melton among the known possibilities as Phoenix continues searching for additional guard depth.

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