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Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Lakers Trade Rumors: Walker Kessler Deal Explored

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 6:35 AM ET

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is one of several names being floated around in the latest rumors as a potential trade target of the LA Lakers. JJ Redick needs a reliable center for his team to pair with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, and the 7-foot shot blocker seems to fit the bill.

Kessler is a dependable defensive machine, averaging 7.0 defensive rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this season. He also contributes offensively, averaging 10.2 points, 3.9 offensive rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

Walker Kessler is making an estimated $3 million this season, making him a realistic trade target for the Lakers. However, while it may seem easy to match the center’s salary, Utah might want even more from the deal.

Utah won’t give up Walker Kessler so easily

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus, the Purple and Gold might have to unprotect their 2027 first-round pick and add a 2029 first to negotiate a deal with the Jazz for Walker Kessler.

Jan 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) secures the ball after a rebound during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In his guest appearance on “Hoops Talk with Allen Sliwa” on Thursday, Pincus talked about Jazz exec Danny Ainge and his potential tactics with the Lakers regarding the center.

“He’s [Ainge] not giving the Lakers Walker Kessler easily,” Pincus said. “They also have the Lakers’ pick coming up, so they don’t want to make the Lakers better in a couple years, but at the same time, maybe they don’t believe in Kessler and that’s why they’re trading him.”

Pincus also said that the Lakers won’t have an issue matching Kessler’s salary, but the picks are another thing entirely.

“Think they’re [Jazz] wanting a new first (round pick),” the insider added. “And they’re probably going to want the Lakers to unprotect one that they already owe (2027).”

The LA Lakers owe the Utah Jazz the 2027 first-round pick with top-four protection, a deal they agreed on at the 2023 trade deadline. That deal also saw Russell Westbrook move from LA to Utah in a three-team trade. In exchange, the Lakers acquired Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Jazz, and D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Jokes About Helping the Team’s Late-Game Free Throw Shooting: “If We Ever Need Help” 3 Nov 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to media prior to a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

If the Lakers unprotect their 2027 pick, it will give the Jazz a chance in the draft lottery for that year. The pick remains with the Lakers if it falls between No. 1 and No. 4, but will become the Jazz’s if it lands between No. 5 and No. 30.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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