Speculation is swirling around the Utah Jazz and the future of young center Walker Kessler. According to Eric Pincus, the Utah Jazz have reportedly engaged in trade talks involving Kessler with the New York Knicks, although those discussions have since stalled. This has led to questions about whether Kessler remains a part of the team’s long-term plans.
Sources suggest that Utah has explored trading Kessler on multiple occasions, including a potential deal with the New York Knicks that ultimately fell through. There’s growing speculation that Kessler may not be in the Jazz’s plans for the future.
One specific trade proposal reportedly involved Kessler being sent to the New Orleans Pelicans, with Brandon Ingram heading to the Jazz. For details on this proposed three-team trade, you can check it out [here].
This development isn’t entirely surprising. Spence Checketts mentioned on his local radio show a vague incident involving head coach Will Hardy and Walker Kessler, though he couldn’t provide further details.
Andy Larsen of the Tribune shared additional insight, noting that there seems to be a difference in how the organization views Kessler’s role moving forward.
This season is crucial for Walker Kessler. After being outperformed by John Collins last year, Kessler hasn’t been able to replicate the form he showed during his rookie season. Improvement is necessary if he wants to avoid being the subject of further trade rumors as the deadline approaches. If Kessler can reclaim his rookie-year strengths—such as rim protection, dominant offensive rebounding, and increased toughness—the Jazz may still want to keep him. Ultimately, the decision rests in his hands.
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