The Utah Jazz would reportedly want Austin Reaves and two first-round picks in a trade centered around sending Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers were in desperate need of a new center after pulling off a blockbuster trade last season that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. During the offseason, they managed to add Deandre Ayton to the roster on a two-year deal, bringing in the former first overall pick. Still, the Lakers are reportedly looking for a more defensive-oriented big man to fill the void left by Davis. One possible target is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
However, the Jazz have placed a steep asking price on the 24-year-old and would only consider moving him if the Lakers parted with one of their core pieces.
“The Jazz have a high asking price for Kessler,” Lakers Daily reports. “One source told Lakers Daily that the Lakers would have to part ways with Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks to acquire Kessler, who projects to be a great fit next to Doncic and LeBron James since he’s a skilled lob threat and excellent rim protector.”
According to earlier reports, Kessler and the Jazz held multiple meetings over the summer but are not expected to reach an agreement on a rookie-scale extension before the 2025-26 season.
Last season, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 58 games.
