The Utah Jazz raised eyebrows throughout the NBA by resting Walker Kessler in a sport towards the Brooklyn Nets. The 7-foot-1 rim protector has not been rested all season, fueling hypothesis that the Jazz are getting ready to commerce their proficient middle. Kessler’s excellent rim safety and budget-friendly contract have made his title seem on quite a few groups.
Walker Kessler is likely one of the most extremely coveted commerce items within the league. The 21-year-old middle has been a defensive cornerstone for the Jazz, averaging 11.4 rebounds, 10.8 factors, and a couple of.5 blocks per sport. His capacity to effectively guard the paint, coupled with a team-friendly contract—$2.9 million this season and $4.8 million subsequent season—makes him a lovely goal for contending groups.
Lakers Target Walker Kessler to Fix Defensive Renoirs Around the Rim
According to Fadeaway World, the Los Angeles Lakers have been closely linked to Kessler amid swirling rumors about curiosity within the workforce buying a rim-protecting large man.
The want for the Lakers for a defensive presence was, to a big extent, depicted throughout Kessler’s standout efficiency towards Nikola Jokic. Well, the period of huge males is just not but over with this duel.
While the Lakers are mentioned to be eager on buying Kessler, the Jazz’s reluctance to help a Western Conference opponent complicates issues. Utah holds the Lakers’ 2027 first-round decide and is unwilling to empower Los Angeles, which might devalue that asset.
Trade Scenarios Involving Walker Kessler
Several commerce proposals have been offered, together with these for Kessler. The Knicks might clear up their middle place issues by buying and selling for the younger star, whereas the Warriors might make their protection full with the addition of Kessler’s shot-blocking.
Kessler missed 6 video games with a hip damage earlier this season, however in any other case hasn’t missed a sport this season.
He definitely hasn’t been held out to relaxation in a single.
I proceed listening to Utah is open to shifting Kessler. I’m wondering if Boston is shut on a deal. https://t.co/IFC3u4J1XF
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) January 12, 2025
Meanwhile, the Lakers might discover a approach to get into the blockbuster commerce bundle, however they don’t seem to be certain if Jazz govt Danny Ainge is keen to barter with them. The clock is ticking for the Lakers’ normal supervisor, Rob Pelinka, because the deadline for buying and selling nears.
Walker Kessler’s Future with Jazz
The Jazz should determine whether or not to maintain Kessler as a foundational piece or transfer him for draft capital. With his expertise, contract worth, and the rising curiosity from groups just like the Lakers, Knicks, and Warriors, a commerce appears more and more possible.
For the Lakers, if the Kessler commerce does not work, the Jonas Valanciunas deal is probably going attainable.
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