NBA Trade Idea Sends Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler to Indiana Pacers
An NBA trade idea sending Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz to the Indiana Pacers has been created.
NBA writer Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Jazz and Pacers:
Utah Jazz receive: Jarace Walker and a 2026 first-round pick (top four-protected)
Indiana Pacers receive: Walker Kessler
Kessler is one of the top centers in the NBA. He appeared in 58 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 66.3% from the field and 52.0% from the free-throw line. The 24-year-old recorded 28 double-doubles.
Kessler is eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension this offseason. He would become a restricted free agent next offseason if no deal is reached.
The Pacers need a center after losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Kessler projects to be a good fit next to Tyrese Haliburton, who will return from his Achilles tear in 2026-27.
“The Jazz might be asking for more for Kessler, but if the market was going to meet their lofty demands, it would have already,” Buckley wrote. “He’s an impactful interior center, but that’s kind of all he is. There’s obviously interest in the archetype, but not enough to unload the piggy bank.
“This feels like the right middle ground. Indiana would solidify its center spot with Kessler, while Utah would gain a recent lottery pick in Walker and a lightly protected first-round pick from a team that will spend the season without its franchise face.”
Kessler has career averages of 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks. He will make $4.9 million next season.
The Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals in seven games, while the Jazz had the worst record in the NBA last season.
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