The Golden State Warriors made only marginal additions to their roster this summer, failing to acquire an established co-star for Steph Curry.
While the Warriors made some good picks and could be in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, they are far from title contention. While waiting for the right opportunity to trade for a second high-level option next to Curry, the Warriors could improve their center rotation.
Trayce Jackson-Davis started 16 games at center for the Warriors last season, including 68 as a rookie. Jackson-Davis’ emergence significantly reduced Kevon Looney’s role, ending his streak of consecutive games played.
Kevon Looney’s 254-game playing streak ended last week, a career-defining achievement that included one of the most rebounding games in Warriors history.
I told Looney about it. https://t.co/TFR861NdzH
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 11, 2024
The Warriors have guaranteed Looney’s $8 million contract for next season, but if the team trades him or doesn’t plan on playing him much in the rotation, another center will likely be needed.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has been reported to be involved in various trade discussions.
“According to multiple sources, Utah has already discussed Kessler in a trade, including a stalled discussion with the New York Knicks,” Pincus wrote. “He does not appear to be part of the team’s long-term plan…”
Kessler has no shortage of content this season 😂🫶🤠#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/0bpaxTD6CX
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 25, 2024
A precedent Bleacher Report Article proposed a hypothetical trade of Kessler to Golden State, and it seems more relevant in light of this recent report.
Warriors receive: Walker Kessler
Jazz receives: Moses Moody and a 2026 first-round pick (top-seven protected)
Kessler is an elite defensive center who could really help a Warriors team that ranked 15th in defense last season and 20th in field goal percentage allowed inside six feet.
Among all players who defended at least 400 shots within six feet of the basket last season, Kessler ranked third in defensive field goal percentage (51.0). Only Rudy Gobert and Kristaps Porzingis ranked higher than Kessler last season in that category (according to NBA data).
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