All through this NBA summer season, the Utah Jazz have remained a much less energetic group on the commerce market than initially thought, however that does not imply there aren’t some strikes that might be made because the 2024-25 season approaches.
Among the many pending trades that might be made, there’s an opportunity one in every of them entails third-year heart Walker Kessler — as his title has been vaguely floated in rumors as a participant the Jazz might doubtlessly purchase after what’s been thought of a bumpy sophomore season. The 23-year-old huge man will quickly enter contract negotiations this coming offseason, and if Utah would not need to ship him an extension, buying and selling him additionally turns into a viable choice.
Bleacher Report provided an attention-grabbing speculation for the younger huge man if he have been to be provided in the marketplace, as Eric Pincus not too long ago advised that the Indiana Pacers can be a super place for Kessler to pair with an rising core of Tyrese Haliburton and Co.:
“The Pacers have turn into probably the greatest groups within the Japanese Convention, which has modified the timeline for younger gamers like Walker (who want vital improvement time). Mathurin is extra polished and able to play. Indiana must look to the longer term at heart, with Myles Turner within the remaining 12 months of his contract and Jalen Smith leaving for the Chicago Bulls. Walker Kessler (who ought to have a number of suitors) will nonetheless be on a rookie deal subsequent season. The Utah Jazz have already thought of buying and selling him. The Pacers might attempt to make that occur, possible with Walker.”
– Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report
In his remaining marketing campaign at Utah, Kessler averaged 8.1 factors, 7.5 rebounds and a pair of.4 blocks in 23 minutes per sport over 64 video games. The anticipated sophomore soar did not fairly come for Kessler, however there’s nonetheless potential for him to suit into the league sooner or later, whether or not it is at Utah or doubtlessly elsewhere if he is traded.
In that case, he might match properly into an offensive core in Indiana, whereas additionally filling the void of being a defensive stalwart on a group that might profit immensely from it. Particularly when you think about the contractual implications within the Pacers’ ahead line with Myles Turner, that provides much more enchantment to his function right here.
Nonetheless, whilst commerce rumors surrounding Kessler mount, it is from sure that the Jazz will search to maneuver him, even after his title has surfaced in some discussions this offseason. So long as his third 12 months exhibits constructive progress by way of a constant defensive presence and improved offensive weapons, there’s loads of room for him to stay aboard this Utah rebuild, however the strain is on nonetheless.
Hold an in depth eye on Walker Kessler in his third season with the Jazz, because it might be a pivotal marketing campaign for his future in Salt Lake Metropolis.
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