Walker Kessler’s name continues to hover on the trade radar, and rival teams aren’t backing down. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, multiple front offices are closely monitoring the 7-foot Jazz center, especially with extension eligibility now in play and no new deal in sight. While Utah has resisted aggressive interest in Kessler over the past year, things could change fast if talks don’t progress before the mid-October deadline.
“Rival teams have kept a close eye on Walker Kessler, and while the Utah Jazz have shut down trade interest so far, the clock is ticking,” wrote Evan Sidery of Forbes. “The 7-footer is now eligible for a contract extension, and if no deal is reached by October, trade speculation could intensify.”
With averages of 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game last season, Kessler remains a valuable piece for the Jazz thanks to his elite rim protection, strong rebounding, and team-friendly trajectory. But with Utah still navigating its rebuild and Danny Ainge never afraid to make bold moves, a trade can’t be ruled out.
So, if the Jazz decide to test the market, here are three teams that could (and should) make a serious push for the 22-year-old big man.
New Orleans Pelicans
Without Jonas Valanciunas, the New Orleans Pelicans are extremely thin in the frontcourt, but that just won’t do with Zion Williamson set to return to action next season. While unproven, Walker Kessler would be a perfect solution if they’re willing to pay the price.
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Saddiq Bey, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Walker Kessler
It’s no secret that the Jazz are keeping the price high for Kessler, and understandably so. At 24 years old, he’s one of the best young centers in the league with amazing defensive potential. With career averages of 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, Bey isn’t a star in the making, but he’s still a solid young role player who could help them win games. The real prize, of course, is the pair of first-round picks, which will put Utah in a position to make further roster moves.
For the Pelicans, giving up that much draft capital is not ideal, but it might be worth it to add a long-term center who plays both sides of the court. He could relieve interior pressure from Zion Williamson and provide second-chance points as an elite rebounder under the rim. Between Zion, Kessler, and players like Jordan Poole, New Orleans could pose a threat in the real West for the first time in years.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the only team in the league that did not make any roster additions this summer. With Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, they are feeling good about their chances in the 2025-26 campaign, but adding an elite young center should be among their highest priorities.
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Brandin Podziemski, 2028 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Golden State Warriors Receive: Walker Kessler
The Jazz are only parting with Kessler with a premium package, and this deal from the Warriors fits the bill. In Podziemski, Utah gets a solid scoring guard to help add some spacing and stability to the offense. Most importantly, the Jazz get two first-rounders from the Warriors, who may be bad enough in 2028 to earn a top pick in the draft.
For the Warriors, while Podziemski is a regular in the rotation, Kessler fits a much bigger need right now at a position they are thin at. In the frontcourt, Walker would be doing everything for Golden State, and he’d be one of the biggest players on the team at 7’0″ and 245 pounds. Under the guidance and leadership of champions, Kessler could take his game to a whole new level and carve out a permanent spot in the rotation.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers already have their “star” big man in Deandre Ayton, and they also re-signed Jaxson Hayes. Still, why not add some extra big man insurance by picking up one of the game’s best young centers? They don’t have a ton of draft picks left, but they don’t really need them as a team in win-now mode.
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2030 first-round pick, 2032 second-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler
Knecht is arguably the best young player of any proposed package so far. As the 17th pick in the 2024 draft, Knecht is clearly someone the Lakers value, and for good reason. He’s the ideal role-player in the modern NBA, which is all about perimeter shooting. With averages of 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game as a rookie, he showed flashes of star potential, and his skills would be especially useful for a Jazz team that just lost one of its best perimeter scorers (Jordan Clarkson).
Meanwhile, the Lakers solidify their frontcourt rotation with Ayton and Kessler. At 24, he fits Luka Doncic’s timeline perfectly and is still young enough to develop his game as he gains more and more experience. With LeBron James and coach JJ Redick, he’ll have everything he needs to make an impact in Los Angeles, and it will make the Lakers all the more deadly.
Where Will Kessler End Up?
If Kessler doesn’t get an extension in Utah, he’ll become one of the most intriguing names on the trade market. With the league’s rising demand for young, cost-controlled bigs, the Jazz could find themselves with more leverage than they realize, if they’re willing to cash in.
On the other side, teams are already waiting and ready to make an offer, should he become available. As it stands, he’s already one of the most valuable young bigs in the game, and there will be a substantial bidding war for his services. He could end up anywhere, but the Warriors probably make the most sense given that they have yet to make a notable move this summer.
