The Utah Jazz have surprised many around the NBA this offseason with their moves, buying out Jordan Clarkson and trading a second-round pick along with Collin Sexton for center Jusuf Nurkic. This has led some to wonder if Walker Kessler could be traded at a reasonable price.
According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, the Jazz have reportedly sought two first-round picks and a young player in any deal for Kessler
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- Walker Kessler stats: 11.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.4 BPG, 66.3% FG, 0.149 Win Shares per 48 Minutes
Many around the league have wondered about Kessler’s availability this summer, in part due to the Nurkic trade. Utah seemingly added frontcourt depth, giving itself a veteran who could play behind Kyle Filipowski next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been a long-standing suitor for Kessler, but the Deandre Ayton signing likely rules them out for several months. While other clubs remain interested, it is difficult to see any team matching Utah’s asking price.
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- Walker Kessler contract: $4.878 million cap hit (2025-26), restricted free agent in 2026
The Jazz also haven’t necessarily positioned themselves favorably. Danny Ainge seemed to set the asking price for Clarkson and Sexton over a year ago and now only received Nurkic, who is viewed as a negative asset, in return.
It seems likely that Utah will retain Kessler through the offseason, relying on him as their starting center at least until February. If the Jazz are at the bottom of the standings at that point, he could become a trade candidate, but his value might be lower then.
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