Jazz Reveal Steep Asking Price For Highly Touted Center Walker Kessler

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 3:34 PM ET

The Utah Jazz have set the NBA trade market abuzz by unveiling an audacious asking price for their promising young center, Walker Kessler.

According to an article published by Los Angeles Lakers reporter Jovan Buha, the Jazz are demanding two first-round draft picks and a young player in exchange for the 23-year-old big man.

This steep valuation has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and analysts, particularly as the Lakers, eager to bolster their frontcourt, find themselves unable to meet the lofty terms.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has been heavily scrutinized for his inability to land a center in free agency thus far.

Kessler, donning the Jazz’s striking purple jersey with the number 24, has emerged as a defensive anchor with his rim-protecting prowess and rebounding tenacity.

His potential has fueled the Jazz’s high expectations, but the reported price tag—two picks plus a prospect—has left many questioning its feasibility.

The Lakers, limited to offering one pick, one young player, and a swap, are reportedly now out of the running, prompting speculation that Jazz executive Danny Ainge is playing a strategic game, perhaps to retain Kessler or leverage a desperate bidder later.

The negotiations by Ainge come after the Jazz’s curious trade of Collin Sexton, hinting at a broader roster overhaul.

As the trade deadline looms, teams like the Knicks and Pacers are monitoring the situation, but the Jazz’s bold stance may force a recalibration of the center market.

For now, Kessler’s future hangs in the balance, with the Jazz holding firm on a price that could redefine Kessler's value or backfire spectacularly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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