Kessler Edwards is a young and talented NBA player making his mark with the Dallas Mavericks. Known for his defensive skills and versatility as a small forward, Edwards has steadily grown from his college days at Pepperdine to becoming a reliable contributor in the NBA.
Fans appreciate his work ethic, team-first attitude, and the quiet confidence he brings to the court. As he enters 2025, Edwards is building a solid career, both on and off the court, with a journey that inspires many aspiring athletes.
Kessler Edwards Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kessler Donovan Edwards |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Pepperdine University (Major: Interpersonal Communication) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 203 lbs (92 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | $3,571,180 |
| Salary (2024-25) | $578,577 |
| Career Earnings | $6,175,904 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Kessler Edwards’ early basketball journey began in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he attended Etiwanda High School. There, he quickly established himself as a standout player, showing promise from his very first year on the varsity team. As a sophomore, he averaged 11 points per game and earned Second Team All-Baseline League honors.
His junior season saw a jump in performance, with Edwards averaging 17 points and nine rebounds per game, which earned him First Team All-Baseline League recognition. By his senior year, Edwards was a dominant force, averaging 21.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He led Etiwanda to an impressive 30-4 record and a deep run to the Southern California Open Division regional final.
His efforts were recognized with the Baseline League MVP award, and he was named to several prestigious all-area and all-state teams. Edwards also played club basketball with Prodigy Elite, gaining valuable experience on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit.
After high school, Edwards chose to attend Pepperdine University, where he played alongside his older brother Kameron for two seasons. As a freshman, Edwards made an immediate impact, averaging 10 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His strong play earned him a spot on the West Coast Conference (WCC) All-Freshman Team.
In his sophomore year, he took on a bigger role, leading the team with 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and was named to the Second Team All-WCC. Edwards’ defensive presence was notable, as he led the conference in blocks per game that season. He continued to develop his offensive game and became known for his ability to shoot from long range and defend multiple positions.
Edwards’ junior year was his best yet. He averaged 17.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-WCC honors and a spot on the NABC All-District team. One of his most memorable performances came in January 2021, when he scored a career-high 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a win over Pacific.
Edwards led Pepperdine to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. By the end of his college career, Edwards had accumulated 1,247 points, ranking him 30th on Pepperdine’s all-time scoring list, and he was fifth in blocked shots with 127. His steady improvement and leadership on and off the court made him one of the top players in the program’s history.
Professional Career
Kessler Edwards began his professional basketball career after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets with the 44th overall pick. After a strong college career at Pepperdine, he entered the NBA with a reputation as a versatile defender and a reliable shooter.
Edwards started his rookie season on a two-way contract, which allowed him to split time between the Brooklyn Nets and their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. He made a quick impression with his defensive energy and ability to stretch the floor, earning more minutes as the season progressed.
During his first year, Edwards played in 48 games for the Nets, starting in 23 of them. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, showing flashes of his potential, especially on the defensive end. His best game came against the Toronto Raptors, where he scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, playing 44 minutes.
His performance and consistency led the Nets to convert his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal, a significant milestone for any young player. Edwards’ rookie season established him as a solid rotation player, particularly valued for his defense and three-point shooting.
In the following season, Edwards’ role with the Nets shifted as the team made roster changes and sought more experienced players. He saw his playing time decrease and was eventually traded to the Sacramento Kings. With the Kings, Edwards continued to work on his game, focusing on defense and spot-up shooting.
He played in 22 games for Sacramento in the 2022-23 season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Although his minutes were limited, he remained a reliable option off the bench, providing energy and defensive versatility.
Edwards also spent time with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate, where he had the opportunity to further develop his skills and gain more consistent playing time. His time in the G League helped him stay sharp and ready for NBA opportunities.
In the 2023-24 season, Edwards played 54 games for the Kings, primarily as a reserve. He averaged 1.7 points per game and continued to focus on his defensive assignments and team play.
Kessler Edwards’ Net Worth Details
Kessler Edwards’ net worth is estimated to be $3,571,180 as of 2025.
Contract
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Kessler Edwards is signed to a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. This type of contract allows him to split his time between the Mavericks’ main NBA roster and their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Under a two-way deal, Edwards can spend up to 50 games with the NBA team, while the rest of his playing time can be in the G League.
His contract provides a salary that is higher than a standard G League player but less than a full NBA contract, reflecting his status as a developing player with potential to secure a standard NBA deal in the future. This arrangement gives both Edwards and the Mavericks flexibility, as he continues to work on his skills and earn more opportunities at the highest level.
Salary
For the 2024-25 season, Kessler Edwards is earning a salary of $578,577 under his two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. This salary is typical for players on two-way deals, which are designed for athletes who split their time between the NBA and the G League.
While this amount is less than the NBA’s standard minimum salary, it is significantly higher than what most G League players receive. Edwards’ salary reflects his current role as a developing player, and with continued improvement and strong performances, he could earn a standard NBA contract with a higher salary in the future.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Brooklyn Nets | $463,211 |
| 2022-23 | Sacramento Kings | $1,637,966 |
| 2023-24 | Sacramento Kings | $1,927,896 |
| 2024-25 | Dallas Mavericks | $578,577 |
| Total | $4,607,650 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Brooklyn Nets | 48 | 23 | 20.6 | .412 | .353 | .842 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 5.9 |
| 2022-23 | Brooklyn Nets | 14 | 1 | 5.7 | .250 | .167 | .500 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.1 |
| 2022-23 | Sacramento Kings | 22 | 3 | 13.9 | .435 | .349 | .769 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 3.9 |
| 2023-24 | Sacramento Kings | 54 | 0 | 5.1 | .415 | .385 | .556 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
| 2024-25 | Dallas Mavericks | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | 2.9 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 4.2 |
| Career | 178 | — | — | — | — | — | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 3.6 |
FAQs
1. Who is Kessler Edwards?
Kessler Edwards is an American professional basketball player born on August 9, 2000, in Glendale, California. He currently plays as a small forward for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA on a two-way contract with the Texas Legends in the NBA G League. He was drafted 44th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets.
2. What teams has Kessler Edwards played for in the NBA?
Kessler Edwards has played for several NBA teams. He started his career with the Brooklyn Nets, then was traded to the Sacramento Kings, and as of 2024, he plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He has also played for their respective G League affiliates, including the Long Island Nets, Stockton Kings, and Texas Legends.
3. What was Kessler Edwards’ college basketball career like?
Kessler Edwards played three seasons at Pepperdine University, where he earned First-Team All-West Coast Conference honors in 2021, Second-Team All-WCC in 2020, and was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team in 2019. He finished his college career ranked 30th all-time in scoring at Pepperdine with 1,247 points and was also among the school’s leaders in blocked shots and three-pointers made.
4. What are some of Kessler Edwards’ notable achievements in college?
During his time at Pepperdine, Edwards was named MVP of the College Basketball Invitational after leading his team to the title. He was also a consistent All-Conference selection and finished in the top ten in school history for blocked shots, free throw percentage, and three-pointers made.
5. What is Kessler Edwards’ NBA contract status?
Kessler Edwards signed a one-year two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks in August 2024. This contract allows him to play for both the Mavericks and their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. He will become a restricted free agent in 2025.
6. What are Kessler Edwards’ career NBA statistics?
Kessler Edwards played 48 games for the Brooklyn Nets in his rookie year, averaging 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. With the Sacramento Kings, he appeared in 54 games during the 2023 season, averaging 1.7 points and 0.8 rebounds per game.
7. What was Kessler Edwards’ high school basketball experience?
Kessler Edwards attended Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California. As a senior, he averaged 21.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, earning Baseline League MVP honors. He was a consensus three-star recruit and played club basketball for Prodigy Elite.
8. Has Kessler Edwards played with any family members in college?
Yes, Kessler Edwards played alongside his older brother, Kameron Edwards, for two seasons at Pepperdine University. Their time together at Pepperdine was one of the reasons Kessler chose to attend the school.
9. What are some of Kessler Edwards’ strengths as a player?
Kessler Edwards is known for his defensive versatility, rebounding, and ability to shoot from three-point range. In college, he averaged 13.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, showing his all-around impact on both ends of the court.
10. What milestones has Kessler Edwards reached in the NBA?
Kessler Edwards reached the 50-game active limit for two-way contract players during the 2024-25 NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks. This milestone required the team to make roster decisions about his future due to NBA contract rules.
