Walker Kessler was rested for the Utah Jazz‘s game against the Brooklyn Nets. This was a strange update to see, as Kessler has not been rested at all this season. Given that Kessler has been a player several teams are rumored to have been interested in, some people are speculating that the Jazz are nearing a trade for him.
Kessler missed 6 games with a hip injury earlier this season, but otherwise hasn't missed a game this season.
He certainly hasn't been held out to rest in one.
I continue hearing Utah is open to moving Kessler. I wonder if Boston is close on a deal. https://t.co/IFC3u4J1XF
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) January 12, 2025
Kessler has been linked to numerous NBA teams, as he is a solid rim protector on a very cheap contract. He currently makes $2.9 million this season, and $4.8 million next season. This makes him a very valuable trade asset that the Jazz could leverage for some draft capital.
On top of that, the Jazz are currently trying to tank. And with Kessler performing at a high level, it is starting to affect their ability to lose games. For the season, he is averaging 11.4 rebounds, 10.8 points, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.5 blocks while shooting 72.0% from the field, 66.7% from the three-point line, and 56.1% from the free-throw line.
His strong performances have held the Jazz back from losing games. And given the Jazz’s rebuild timeline, combined with the appetizing 2025 NBA Draft class offering some generational building-block players, the franchise may want to cut ties with Kessler so that they can fully commit themselves to their rebuild.
Lakers Linked To Kessler The Most
The team that has most been brought up when it comes to trade ideas for Walker Kessler has been the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are in desperate need of a rim-protecting big man, especially at a low cost. His recent performance against Nikola Jokic showed that he is exactly what the Lakers need to find success.
The Lakers were reportedly close to a big trade for Walker Kessler, but it didn’t materialize in the end. One reason reported as a detriment to the trade is Danny Ainge’s desire to not trade with the Lakers as the Jazz owns their 2027 first-round pick, and doesn’t want to help them get better so that their pick would be a lot more valuable.
Regardless, the Lakers remain interested. There is no word on whether Rob Pelinka has made any progress on the trade front with the Jazz. Regardless, we pitched a massive trade involving eight players between the Lakers and the Jazz that could help them get the deal done.
It will take a lot to get the deal done. But Pelinka has to make things happen. It was reported that the Lakers are not satisfied with their roster as things stand. But a lot of this depends on whether Danny Ainge is willing to play ball with the Lakers.
But what if another team tried to trade for Kessler? We pitched an idea that solved the Knicks’ woes at the center position by sending him there. And another deal could help the Warriors gain some strong rim protection, with Kessler becoming their new five.
Keep an eye on the Walker Kessler situation, as it could be nearing an end soon with the trade deadline a few weeks away.
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