The Utah Jazz just made a move that turned heads across the league, acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies in a surprising pre-deadline deal. It’s a bold swing, and it signals something bigger brewing in Salt Lake City - a potential reshaping of their frontcourt that could have ripple effects across the Western Conference.
On paper, pairing Jackson with Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a dynamic, modern frontcourt duo - one that can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and switch defensively. It also raises an obvious question: what does this mean for Walker Kessler?
Kessler, who’s set to hit restricted free agency this offseason, has been the subject of trade rumors before. The Indiana Pacers, in particular, have been linked to him as they search for a long-term solution at center. Kessler’s shot-blocking instincts and rebounding ability make him a natural fit for a team that’s still trying to replace the void left by Myles Turner.
But despite the addition of Jackson, don’t count Kessler out of Utah’s plans just yet.
According to league sources cited by The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the Jazz still see Kessler as a key piece of their future - even envisioning a frontcourt trio of Jackson, Markkanen, and Kessler. That’s a lot of length, versatility, and defensive upside packed into one lineup. It’s unconventional, sure, but it speaks to how highly Utah values Kessler’s presence on the interior.
So where does this leave Indiana?
With the trade deadline just two days away, the Pacers are running out of time to make a move - and if Kessler’s off the table, they’ll need to pivot quickly. The front office has reportedly explored other options at center, including Ivica Zubac, Onyeka Okongwu, and Daniel Gafford. None of those names will come cheap, but the Pacers’ level of interest suggests they’re serious about solidifying that spot in the lineup.
Jay Huff has done a respectable job filling in, starting 27 of Indiana’s 50 games so far. But while he’s shown flashes, the consistency and ceiling just aren’t quite there for a team with playoff aspirations. Isaiah Jackson, meanwhile, hasn’t made the leap many hoped for this season and looks more like a rotational piece than a long-term starter.
The bottom line: Indiana needs an upgrade in the middle, and they need it now.
Even with Tyrese Haliburton battling through injuries and the team still adjusting post-Turner, the Pacers haven’t fallen completely out of the mix. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and with the right moves, Indiana could reassert itself as a real threat as early as next season. But it starts with getting the center position right - anchoring the defense, cleaning the glass, and giving Haliburton a reliable pick-and-roll partner.
Kessler may have once looked like the ideal solution, but with Utah doubling down on their commitment to him, Indiana’s front office will have to look elsewhere. The clock’s ticking, and the Pacers are still very much in the market. Keep an eye on them as the deadline approaches - they’re not done yet.