Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler is regarded as one of the best young big men in the NBA. As a legitimate seven-footer with a sturdy build, Kessler has the potential to be a dependable rotation player and defensive anchor for a competitive team.
Although Kessler garnered a lot of interest from teams in the offseason, the Jazz have seemed only partially interested in engaging in trade talks for him. While this indicated a potential interest to remain competitive next season, a recent report suggested that Utah traded John Collins because he was impacting winning too much.
The situation currently appears contradictory, but by the looks of it, the Jazz are committing to tanking again next season. This could hurt Kessler’s development, who is primed to become a key role player.
As more teams show an interest in Kessler, Utah may be open to entertaining trade packages for their big man. Given their preference for draft capital and expiring contracts, we explore the best possible packages and destinations for Walker Kessler.
Indiana Pacers
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Bennedict Mathurin, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick (DAL)
Indiana Pacers Receive: Walker Kessler
The Indiana Pacers could prove to be an interesting trading destination for the Utah Jazz. By trading Kessler, the Jazz acquire a talented young guard in Bennedict Mathurin, who is on an expiring contract, along with a first-round pick and a second-round pick.
While the Jazz receive what they’re looking for in this deal, the Pacers find the ideal replacement for Myles Turner, who left the team in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pacers will be heading into next season without a primary big man. The addition of Kessler would immediately answer these concerns.
Although Indiana isn’t primed to be a playoff team next season, with the likes of Tyrese Haliburton being sidelined with injury, Kessler’s addition does keep them competitive.
The big man notched an average of 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, while shooting 66.3% from the field. Paired with the likes of Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, the Pacers would still have a solid enough core to go head-to-head against some of the teams in the East.
This also has major implications for the Pacers’ future. With Haliburton back in the lineup, Kessler is likely to see a boost in productivity as he becomes a beneficiary of more passes. With sustained improvement on the horizon, Indiana could become significantly better after this trade.
Boston Celtics
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Xavier Tillman, 2027 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Boston Celtics Receive: Walker Kessler
A deal with the Boston Celtics could be in Utah’s favor, as the Jazz receive a big man on a veteran minimum contract and two first-round picks. As much as this deal helps Utah, it may be a saving grace for the Celtics.
This offseason has been a rough one for the Celtics. With the shadow of the second apron looming over them, the front office was forced to make some tough decisions with the roster.
In the process of trading Kristaps Porzingis and losing Al Horford to free agency, the Celtics were effectively left without a starting-quality big man. The addition of Kessler addresses this issue right away.
Although the 23-year-old isn’t the sharpshooting, floor-spacing type of center, he brings enough benefits for this Boston team. As a rim-protector and rebounder, Kessler shores up the Celtics’ interior while aiding their perimeter-shooting efforts by constantly crashing the offensive glass.
The next season may not be in Boston’s favor, as Jayson Tatum also recovers from injury. But when the superstar makes his return, the Celtics would certainly be a force in the East again with Kessler leading their big man rotation.
Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson, 2027 first-round pick (NYK), 2028 first-round pick (PHI)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Walker Kessler
The Brooklyn Nets are currently in possession of 29 draft picks, something the Jazz would set their eyes on with this deal. While receiving two expiring contracts in this trade, Utah would also gain two valuable first-round picks.
The Nets may not be the ideal situation for Kessler, but it could help him take on a more holistic role as a player. Playing alongside Nic Claxton in the frontcourt, the Nets’ pair could be one of the most potent rim-protecting duos in the NBA.
While Kessler would continue to play as center, it is likely that in this situation, Claxton would move to the power forward slot. This would also give the Nets a lot of length in the frontcourt, as Michael Porter Jr. would play small forward.
As constructed, the Nets don’t boast a lot of strength, primarily due to their limited defensive output. With Kessler anchoring the paint alongside Claxton, Brooklyn could become a more competitive team.
Kessler’s addition would give Brooklyn some room to improve, but they wouldn’t be considered a playoff team by any means. But with a significant amount of draft capital at their disposal, the Nets could make the necessary moves to become one.
Washington Wizards
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Blake Wesley, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick (BOS/MIL/POR)
Washington Wizards Receive: Walker Kessler
The proposed trade could be an interesting opportunity for Kessler. While the Jazz walk away with yet another expiring contract and two first-round picks through this trade, the Washington Wizards receive a terrific big man to start alongside their young star, Alex Sarr.
The Wizards have looked like an interesting team this offseason. After trading for CJ McCollum, Washington has gone on to blend veteran talent with youth. From Khris Middleton to Cam Whitmore, the team features a lot of talented players, and with the addition of Kessler, the Wizards feature a dynamic frontcourt.
When paired with Sarr, the Wizards suddenly have a flexible big man combo. With the Frenchman stretching the floor with his three-point shooting, Kessler shores up the inside and focuses on rebounding and rim protection.
Considering that the Wizards ended last season at the bottom of the league, their prospects for improvement do increase with Kessler’s addition. But it would be safe to say that they would need notable jump in performance if they wish to make it into the top 10.
What Does The Future Hold For Walker Kessler?
Trade rumors are part and parcel of the offseason. Although Walker Kessler has gained attention on the trade market, it is quite unlikely that he will be traded this offseason.Â
However, if teams wish to acquire Kessler, this season would be the ideal time to do so.Â
Next season, the big man will become a restricted free agent. Given the difficult circumstances RFA’s have faced with securing contract extensions this offseason, teams may struggle to make an offer enticing enough to lure him away from Utah.
