Report: Jazz Rejected ‘A number of’ Walker Kessler Commerce Calls amid Lakers Rumors

The Utah Jazz have rejected a number of opposing groups trying to commerce for heart Walker Kessler, in accordance with NBA insider Jake Fischer.

Fischer reported on Thursday that Kessler has acquired “loads of curiosity” and is a goal of the Los Angeles Lakers, however the Jazz have turned down “a number of” gives for the 23-year-old.

Whereas Utah seems to be listening to commerce pitches from opposing entrance places of work, extra property could must be included in discussions for him to be moved previous to the Feb. 6 deadline.

The Jazz have seemingly maintained a excessive asking worth for Kessler all year long, as SNY’s Ian Begley reported in July that Utah rejected packages that included two first-round picks for the middle.

In 19 begins this season, Kessler is averaging a career-high 11.2 factors and 10.5 rebounds to associate with 2.8 blocks per sport. He is additionally taking pictures 72.8 % from the sphere, hitting 58.3 % of his free throws.

Kessler has already established himself as among the finest rim protectors within the affiliation, proudly owning a profession common of two.4 blocks per sport.

The previous first-round choose within the 2022 NBA draft remains to be on his rookie contract and can hit restricted free company following the 2025-26 season. He’ll turn into eligible for an extension in the course of the 2025 offseason, although.

With the Jazz sitting at No. 14 within the Western Convention standings with a 5-20 file, government Danny Ainge could also be hesitant handy Kessler a long-term extension.

Rookie heart Kyle Filipowski has additionally been a shiny spot for Utah this season, taking pictures 51.8 % from the ground and averaging 13.6 factors to associate with 8.8 rebounds per 36 minutes to start his NBA profession.

Whereas Kessler could not end the common season with the Jazz, he probably will not expertise a change of surroundings until opposing entrance places of work intensify their efforts to accumulate him.