Earlier this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers secured Deandre Ayton after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract. Ayton, 27, has struggled to live up to his billing as the first-overall draft pick in 2018.
Despite Ayton’s presence on the Lakers roster, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes the franchise should turn their attention toward Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. Kessler finished second in the NBA for blocks per game last season, trailing only Victor Wembanyama.
“Utah’s lack of long-term control with Kessler might just open the door for the Lakers to make a move,” Knox wrote. “They may still not be able to acquire him at a team-friendly price via a trade—though they should certainly keep kicking the proverbial tires—but they might have the capital to make a serious run in restricted free agency.”
Knox continued.
“…If James, Dončić, Austin Reaves, free-agent center Deandre Ayton, and the rest of the current roster are looking championship-worthy at the trade deadline, it could behoove L.A. to make a stronger push to acquire Kessler via trade. The Lakers would still have the chance to retain him as a RFA, and getting James a second championship in Los Angeles would be historic.”
Kessler is currently in the final year of his contract. As things stand, it doesn’t look like the Jazz are in a hurry to figure out his long-term future, despite his clear upside in the middle of the floor.
Walker Unlikely to Sign Contract Extension With Jazz
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Kessler isn’t expected to be offered a contract extension in the upcoming season.
“The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler will not reach an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension, league sources tell The Athletic, which clears the way for the starting center to reach restricted free agency next summer,” Jones reported.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Kessler will be available on the trade market. Utah could simply wait until the summer, conduct its other free agency business and then extend Kessler. That’s the beauty of him having such a low cap hold.
Nevertheless, his status as an impending free agent could certainly embolden teams around the NBA, and the Jazz’s front office should brace itself for the inevitable trade calls.
Lakers Have Previously Shown Interest in Kessler
According to a recent report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers expressed interest in acquiring Kessler midway through the 2024-25 season. Rob Pelinka ultimately targeted Mark Williams before rescinding the trade on medical grounds.
McMenamin noted that the Jazz’s high asking price of multiple first-round picks was too steep for the Lakers. Therefore, Kessler continued in his role on Will Hardy’s team.
“Kessler was one of the centers L.A. inquired about last season before the Williams trade, sources told ESPN, but Utah’s asking price—multiple first-round picks—was too steep,” McMenamin reported.
Unless the Jazz are genuinely considering parting ways with Kessler, their asking price will likely remain the same. Therefore, the Lakers will either need to take the risk and pony up the assets or continue to hold out and see if Kessler hits the free agency market next summer.