Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler continues to be the subject of trade rumors—a common theme since the offseason. Those rumors heightened when the Jazz scratched Kessler for Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, which Utah won in overtime by one point (112-111). It was an interesting move to sit the big man, but whether there were specific reasons behind it remains a question. Only further speculation has the answers.
Jazz Trade Rumors Heighten With Weekend Healthy Scratch
Are the Utah Jazz Cooking Up a Walker Kessler Trade?
Kessler’s availability has been relatively solid this season, having only missed six games due to injury. It was a hip issue that arose earlier in the year, but apart from that, Kessler hasn’t missed a game. So, when Utah sat him for the Brooklyn game—with no injury report attached—that raised some eyebrows. Kessler isn’t someone to rest for no reason, and he’s certainly not on load management watch. So, rumors, being what they are, injected further conversation surrounding Kessler’s trade potential, of which the Jazz have not denied their part in possibly moving their big man.
The first reaction is that Utah was negotiating a potential trade, so they scratched Kessler to avoid injury. The most notable organization linked with Kessler is the Los Angeles Lakers, who are in dire need of center depth behind Anthony Davis. Kessler and the Lakers have been linked since the offseason in addition to their interest in Jonas Valančiūnas. The Washington Wizards center is presently still connected to the Lakers, although nothing has come to fruition yet.
Kessler has also been linked to the Boston Celtics, which is a more recent development in the trade rumors. Moving Kessler makes sense, considering the trajectory the Jazz appear to be on. While Utah will never publicly admit to tanking, they’re tanking. Moving Kessler helps them tank even further, so expect a trade to happen before the February 6th deadline. As for the interesting development over the weekend, whether it is purposed to complete a trade in the coming days remains to be seen.
Kessler’s Contract Could Entice Several Teams
One reason Kessler’s trade value is high is his contract. He’s making $2.9 million this season and $4.8 million next season, which allows the Jazz to entice as a valuable trade asset. Apart from his contract, Kessler is a solid player, specifically a solid rim protector and presence in the paint.
In 31 games played this season, Kessler is averaging 10.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. Those numbers are solid for a team wanting to bring him in as a backup. Even if a team intended to start Kessler, those numbers are still valuable. He’s also shooting 72% from the field and 66.7% from the three-point line. That 72% screams under-the-basket efficiency, even though he doesn’t score many points. While not an offensive threat like his counterparts at the center position, Kessler’s size at the rim attributes to easy buckets. He also serves as a solid pick-and-roll and ally-oop body.
If Kessler indeed gets traded soon, and his recent healthy scratch was more than just a rest game, some team is about to pick up a valuable piece. Suppose that team is the Lakers; they get a player they’ve coveted all season. If it’s another team, Kessler will have an immediate impact regardless. It’s only a matter of time now.
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