Jazz
Walker Kessler is now officially a restricted free agent.
Utah has issued the 7-foot-2 center a qualifying offer, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic, preserving the organization’s ability to match any outside offer.
The move comes after reports that the Jazz and Kessler have discussed a long-term extension but have yet to reach common ground.
Despite appearing in only five games last season because of shoulder surgery, Kessler remains one of the league’s more intriguing young centers and is expected to draw significant interest if he reaches the open market.
Meanwhile, the Jazz declined to issue qualifying offers to Oscar Tshiebwe and Elijah Harkless, making both players unrestricted free agents.
Rockets
The Rockets are officially keeping control of Tari Eason.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Houston has extended Eason an $8 million qualifying offer, making the versatile forward a restricted free agent and giving the Rockets the right to match any offer sheet he receives.
Eason averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 60 games last season while splitting time between the starting lineup and the bench. His role next season could depend in part on whether Houston ultimately decides to move Kevin Durant.
The Rockets also exercised their team option on reserve guard JD Davison, keeping him under contract for 2026-27.
Grizzlies
The Grizzlies continue to invest in their young core.
Memphis has exercised its contract options on Olivier-Maxence Prosper and GG Jackson, ensuring both forwards return next season.
Jackson averaged 12.5 points in 55 games despite battling injuries, while Prosper emerged as a valuable contributor after arriving from Dallas, averaging 10.0 points while making 24 starts.
Playing time could become more difficult to find with No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer and veteran Isaiah Stewart joining the frontcourt. Even so, the Grizzlies clearly believe Prosper and Jackson remain part of their long-term plans.
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