Jazz Rumors: Youth Movement, Ace Bailey, Walker Kessler

The Utah Jazz are fully embracing a youth movement, and that philosophy has been the driving force behind several of the team’s offseason moves, per NBA insider Keith Smith of Spotrac.

“We didn’t want the older players here pushing for minutes to get their next deal, which is what they should be doing,” a Jazz front office executive told Smith. “We didn’t want the younger players getting resentful because guys who aren’t a part of our future were playing in front of them. That mindset drove some of our moves this summer.”

Utah traded or moved on from several veteran players in recent months, including John Collins, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton. That will open more minutes and development opportunities for young prospects such as Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh and rookies Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr.

Ace in the Hole

The Jazz had long been linked to Bailey during the pre-draft process, though some speculation surfaced suggesting he preferred not to land in Utah. According to the same Jazz executive, that was never an issue internally.

“When Ace was on the board at our pick, it sure took a lot of sting out of dropping in the lottery,” the executive said. “All the stuff about him pre-draft and not wanting to come to Utah, that was all just nonsense. He’s excited to be with us, and we’re thrilled to have him.”

As for Clayton, the Jazz are equally optimistic.

“He’s exactly the kind of player we want,” the executive said. “He’s a leader. He’ll be a leader on Day 1 of camp. We can already see it during Summer League. And it’s authentic. Talk to anyone around that Florida program and they’ll tell you that Walter drove them to the title this year. Not just on the floor, but in practices and in the locker room. We love that about him.”

Kessler a Keeper

While the youth movement is underway, Utah still has key decisions to make on players currently under contract. Center Walker Kessler is now eligible for a rookie-scale extension, but nothing has been finalized. According to the exec, that’s largely by design.

“We’d love to get Walker signed,” the executive told Smith. “We have a whole lot of flexibility, because (Lauri Markkanen) is the only veteran we have on a long-term deal. That will come into play with Walker too, because he’ll be the next guy on a long-term deal. That’s something we have to be mindful of, as we plan and build our roster out in the immediate and for the future.”

Kessler, 24, is entering his fourth NBA season. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 58 games last year.

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