Walker Kessler has quickly become a fan favorite in Utah, and for good reason. The young big man showed flashes of elite rim protection and defensive instincts that have Jazz fans excited about the future. However, with the Jazz looking to reshape their roster and potentially add more firepower, rumors started to swirl about Kessler’s availability in trade talks.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, let’s explore three of the best trade offers the Jazz could receive for their promising center. Whether the Utah Jazz should pull the trigger or keep developing Kessler is the big question, but these deals could definitely make the front office think twice.
The New York Knicks Offer
Knicks receive: Walker Kessler
Jazz receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Pistons), 2025 First-Round Pick (via Wizards)
The New York Knicks have had a busy offseason, and their interest in acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz is a clear indication that they’re not done making moves. After losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, the Knicks find themselves in need of a reliable big man to bolster their frontcourt. Hartenstein’s departure left a gap that the Knicks are eager to fill, and Kessler, with his shot-blocking ability, could be the perfect fit.
Walker Kessler, despite a less-than-stellar sophomore season, remains a player with significant upside. His averages of 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game during the 2023-24 season highlight his potential to be an elite rim protector. However, rumors have circulated that the Jazz might be willing to part ways with the young center. According to reports, Kessler doesn’t seem to be part of the Jazz’s long-term plan, which is surprising given his promising rookie season. This openness to trading Kessler has piqued the interest of several teams, with the Knicks being one of the most aggressive suitors.
The Jazz are in a phase of retooling their roster, and while Kessler has shown flashes of brilliance, the front office may be looking to capitalize on his value to accelerate their rebuild. The Knicks’ offer, which includes Mitchell Robinson and two first-round picks, is a tempting one. Robinson brings a similar skill set to Kessler but with more experience. He’s proven to be a solid defender and rebounder, making him a potentially seamless replacement for Kessler in Utah’s rotation. Moreover, the addition of two first-round picks from the Pistons and Wizards gives the Jazz significant assets that could be crucial in their rebuilding efforts.
On the Jazz side, Lauri Markkanen has been the focal point of their offense, and the team recently secured him with a long-term extension, signaling their commitment to building around him. With Markkanen locked in, the Jazz may feel that they can afford to move Kessler if it means acquiring pieces that fit better around their star forward. The Knicks, who are looking to make a deeper playoff push next season, see Kessler as a key addition that could help them shore up their interior defense, especially after their second-round exit in the 2024 playoffs.
Utah’s willingness to entertain offers for Kessler might also stem from a desire to diversify their roster and avoid putting too much reliance on one style of play. If they can flip Kessler for a player like Robinson, who can contribute immediately, and future assets that could be used in further trades or draft picks, it might be seen as a more balanced approach to team building. For the Knicks, acquiring Kessler could be the move that solidifies their defensive identity, giving them a young, developing player who can grow alongside their existing core.
In summary, while the Jazz are not necessarily in a rush to trade Kessler, the Knicks’ offer is substantial enough to make Utah seriously consider it. If the trade goes through, it could be a win-win for both teams—Utah gains future flexibility and a solid replacement in Robinson, while New York secures a promising young center who could help them make a deeper playoff run.
A Change Of Scenery With The Lakers
Lakers receive: Walker Kessler
Jazz receive: Jaxson Hayes, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that they are in win-now mode, and acquiring Walker Kessler could be a strategic move to shore up their defense and add youth to their frontcourt. The Lakers, who fell short of their championship aspirations in the 2024 playoffs, are looking to retool their roster with players who can contribute immediately while also fitting into their long-term plans. Kessler, with his defensive abilities and potential for growth, could be a key addition as the team aims to balance veteran leadership with emerging talent.
Jaxson Hayes, who joined the Lakers in the 2022 offseason, has been a solid, if unspectacular, presence in the paint. While Hayes has the athleticism and energy that can be valuable off the bench, he hasn’t yet proven himself to be a reliable starter for a contending team. The inclusion of Jalen Hood-Schifino, a promising sophomore guard, adds further intrigue to this deal. Hood-Schifino, the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of potential, but the Lakers might be willing to part with him if it means securing a more immediate contributor like Kessler.
From the Jazz’s perspective, this trade could make sense as they continue to rebuild and reshape their roster around their young core. Acquiring a future first-round pick in 2029 gives them additional flexibility to make moves down the line, and Hood-Schifino could develop into a valuable piece for their backcourt. Hayes, while not a star, provides Utah with a serviceable big man who can fill minutes and potentially thrive in a new environment where he might have more opportunities to play significant minutes.
The Lakers’ interest in Kessler likely stems from their need for a defensive presence in the paint, especially after their struggles against elite big men in the Western Conference during the playoffs, as they lost in the first round against the Denver Nuggets last year. Kessler’s shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts would complement Anthony Davis, allowing the Lakers to maintain a strong interior defense even when Davis needs rest or is dealing with injuries, which has been a recurring issue. The idea of pairing Kessler with Davis and LeBron James would certainly excite Lakers fans, as it would give them a young piece to develop alongside their aging stars.
However, for the Jazz, moving Kessler is not just about the players they get in return—it’s also about the long-term vision of the franchise. Utah has been linked to several trade rumors, with reports indicating that they might be willing to part with Kessler if the right offer comes along. The Jazz extended Lauri Markkanen, making him the centerpiece of their rebuild, and they may see trading Kessler as an opportunity to add more assets around Markkanen, allowing them to build a more well-rounded team. This potential trade with the Lakers could be seen as part of a larger strategy to acquire young talent and draft capital, which could be pivotal as they look to return to playoff contention in the coming years.
In the end, while the Jazz might be hesitant to part with a player as promising as Kessler, the offer from the Lakers could be too good to pass up. The Lakers get a young, defensive-minded center who can contribute right away, while the Jazz continue to stockpile assets and young talent that can be developed or used in future trades. This trade scenario presents a win-win for both teams, each looking to improve their chances of success, albeit on different timelines.
A Surprise Trade To The Golden State Warriors
Warriors receive: Walker Kessler
Jazz receive: Kevon Looney, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
The Golden State Warriors have been heavily linked to Lauri Markkanen throughout the 2024 offseason, but despite their aggressive pursuit, they never came close to landing the All-Star forward. Utah’s asking price for Markkanen was sky-high, reportedly involving significant draft capital and young talent like Brandin Podziemski, which the Warriors were not willing to part with. As a result, the talks for Markkanen stalled, and he eventually signed a massive five-year, $238 million extension with the Jazz, effectively taking him off the trade market.
With Markkanen now locked in, the Warriors may pivot their focus to Walker Kessler as a more attainable target. Kessler, while not on the same level as Markkanen, still offers tremendous value as a young, defensive-minded center who could seamlessly fit into Golden State’s system. The Warriors, having recently undergone significant roster changes—including the departure of longtime star Klay Thompson—are looking to remain competitive in the Western Conference while also planning for the future. Adding Kessler could be part of this dual strategy, providing a boost to their interior defense while giving them a young player to develop alongside their veteran core.
The proposed trade package for Kessler would see the Warriors sending Kevon Looney, along with first-round picks in 2026 and 2028, to Utah. Looney has been a reliable presence for Golden State, particularly in the playoffs, but Kessler’s potential upside might be too enticing to ignore. The Warriors are known for valuing players who can make an immediate impact, and Kessler’s shot-blocking and rebounding could be crucial in their quest to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.
For the Jazz, this trade could be seen as a way to further bolster their rebuilding efforts. While losing Kessler would be a blow, acquiring two future first-round picks gives Utah more flexibility to either draft young talent or use those picks as assets in future trades. Kevon Looney, though not as young as Kessler, is a proven playoff performer who could provide veteran leadership and stability in the frontcourt while the Jazz continue to develop their younger players.
The Warriors’ offseason has been marked by significant changes, including the signing of key players like Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson while parting ways with Klay Thompson. These moves indicate that Golden State is willing to make bold decisions to remain a contender. Bringing in Kessler could be another such move, aligning with their strategy of blending experienced veterans with promising young talent. The addition of Kessler could also help address some of the defensive challenges that have plagued the Warriors, particularly against teams with dominant big men.
While the Warriors missed out on Lauri Markkanen, a trade for Walker Kessler might be the next best option. It allows them to strengthen their roster without sacrificing too much of their future, while the Jazz gain valuable assets to continue their rebuild. This deal could end up being a win-win for both teams, each addressing their immediate and long-term needs.
