Everyone’s pretty doggone sick of the Walker Kessler trade rumors. The Utah Jazz kept him, and there haven’t been any new rumors suggesting that they plan to get rid of him. However, there have been new reports detailing what the Lakers were willing to offer him.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick revealed the offer that the Jazz turned down from the Lakers. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t reach an agreement.
“A Jazz source indicated the possible framework of a deal — D’Angelo Russell and multiple first-round picks — would not be of interest. As noted above, though, there could be other Lakers iterations that might be of more interest.”
Amick did not elaborate on what that entailed. He also noted that trade negotiations with Danny Ainge are not easy, knowing the deals he’s orchestrated in the past. In the Laker’s case, it may be worse, and not just because they’re a rival.
Thanks to the Mike Conley trade from 2023, the Jazz own a highly valuable pick from the Lakers. Potentially cheapening its value by giving them Kessler would not be the wisest move on Utah’s part, which is why it may not make much sense for them to agree to a trade involving the young center.
But maybe there’s something we don’t know yet about these potential negotiations.
Do the Lakers have a good deal for Kessler?
It’s hard to say because the Lakers have a few first-round picks to offer, but not many. What also hurts them is knowing where they’re currently at as a team. They’re not considered among contenders, but everyone knows they want to be since they have LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Other factors at play include the fact that Kessler will be eligible for an extension this offseason. He’s looked more like the Kessler of old this season, but do the Jazz trust that he’s their best option at center long-term? If they don’t, that could be a sticking point in trade negotiations with the Lakers.
Why should we give up much for someone you don’t believe in?
Another factor is that the Lakers haven’t started the season too badly. They haven’t dominated in any sense, but they look like a better team than last season despite keeping most of last season’s roster. The Jazz might not be too comfortable knowing that they would give Kessler, one of the NBA’s best young rim protectors, to pair with Anthony Davis, one of the NBA’s best defenders.
Together, they could make the Lakers’ defense beyond impenetrable, which would basically kill all the value of the pick they owe them and potentially more if they agree to a deal.
More than anything else, there have been no new rumors revolving Kessler’s future in Utah. Until it’s clear that they don’t want to invest long-term in him, the Lakers won’t get their hands on him unless the Jazz both make him available and accept only the best trade they can for him.
