It’s been a long time since Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler appeared in trade rumors. However, just because a lot of time has passed since the first rumors doesn’t mean it’s no longer on the market.
In fact, a Kessler trade could still be on the cards, although it won’t be immediate. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus broke the latest newsin a story from August 23.
“According to multiple sources, Utah has already discussed Kessler in a trade, including a stalled discussion with the New York Knicks. He does not appear to be part of the team’s long-term plan,” Pincus wrote.
Kessler is coming off a disappointing sophomore season after starting his NBA career with a bang. That doesn’t seem like a good reason to get rid of him, unless there’s something else at play here.
This could go beyond a simple lull. If the rumors about Kessler’s availability prove true, it’s very possible that he and the Jazz will disagree on what to do next.
Even though he’s proven his worth in the past, he might be at odds with Will Hardy or would rather be on a winning team than a rebuilding team (?) like the Jazz. There’s no rumor that Kessler is a problem child in the locker room, but the Jazz may not want to risk him becoming one.
Or maybe they think Kessler might be the best possible choice and might want to take a chance on someone more promising. If it seems a little odd that they’d give up on someone who seemed so promising to begin with, it is, but there are other factors at play.
The Jazz aren’t completely starless, as they’ll have Lauri Markkanen to rely on for the long haul. If Kessler’s time is up, they could use that to get another one, like Brandon Ingram.
Pincus explained how an exchange for Ingram involving Kessler It could work. With New Orleans desperately in need of a center, and Ingram potentially representing a step forward for Utah, a deal could make sense.
This is especially true if it could also mean that the Jazz would manage to get got rid of John Collinswhich, all things considered, has no future in Utah.
If the Jazz trade Kessler, it won’t just be to get rid of him. They’ll try to cash in on him in any way they can. If Ingram is the best they can do, acquiring him honestly isn’t the worst idea.
