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. Which NBA teams has Kessler Edwards played for, and how did she enter the league?
Edwards was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets and has also played for the Sacramento Kings, earning a reputation as a reliable wing defender.
2. What position does Edwards primarily play, and what are her key strengths?
She plays as a small forward and power forward, known for three-and-D potential, using length and quick feet to defend multiple positions and providing spacing with catch-and-shoot accuracy from deep.
3. What was Edwards’ college basketball background before turning pro?
Edwards played at Pepperdine University, where she earned All-WCC honors and stood out for versatile defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring as the program’s top player in her final seasons.
4. How has Edwards contributed to her NBA teams since joining the league?
She brings defensive intensity off the bench, frequently earns key assignments against opposing scorers, and spaces the floor with timely three-point shooting on catch-and-shoot opportunities.
5. Has Edwards had any standout moments or career-high performances so far?
Edwards has posted double-digit scoring games, registered crucial fourth-quarter defensive stops, and delivered timely threes in wins that secured her a larger role in team rotations.
6. What strengths make Edwards valuable to his coaches and teammates?
Coaches trust Edwards for on-ball defense, engagement in team schemes, and unselfish play. Teammates value her willingness to do the little things, such as rebounding and helping in transition defense.
7. Where can Edwards continue to develop her NBA game?
She focuses on tightening her handle, improving finishing at the rim, increasing three-point volume with consistency, and building strength to guard bigger forwards inside.
8. How do NBA analysts and scouts assess Edwards’ upside?
Analysts highlight her defensive ceiling, versatility on switches, and project her as a valuable “glue guy” whose skills are in high demand for playoff-contending rosters.
9. What off-court traits or interests distinguish Edwards among peers?
She is regarded for maturity, work ethic, and composure in interviews. Edwards’ positive attitude and steadiness transition well into his approach to practice and games.
10. What are Edwards’ long-term goals as her NBA career progresses?
Edwards aims to solidify a permanent rotation spot, become one of the league’s most dependable wing defenders, and help her team win playoff games with timely defense and shooting.
