The Utah Jazz made one thing clear at the trade deadline: Walker Kessler isn’t going anywhere.
Despite serious interest from multiple teams - including the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers - Utah stood firm on keeping their young center, even with Kessler sidelined for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Let’s start with Toronto. The Raptors reportedly put multiple first-round picks on the table in an attempt to pry Kessler away from Utah before ultimately striking a deal with the Clippers for Chris Paul.
That’s a significant offer for a 22-year-old big man who’s not even on the floor right now. But the Jazz didn’t blink.
Indiana made a similar push. Before landing Ivica Zubac in a trade with the Clippers, the Pacers were also in on Kessler, reportedly offering a package that included two unprotected future first-round picks. That’s the kind of offer that usually gets a front office’s attention - but again, the Jazz passed.
Why? Because Utah sees something in Kessler that goes beyond short-term value.
They’re building a frontcourt core that could be a defensive nightmare for opponents, and Kessler is a key part of that vision. With 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. now in the fold and Lauri Markkanen continuing to lead the team in scoring, the Jazz are assembling a three-headed monster in the frontcourt - one that can protect the rim, stretch the floor, and anchor a defense.
Even with Kessler out for the remainder of the season, Utah’s long-term view hasn’t changed. He’s expected to hit restricted free agency this summer, but all signs point to the Jazz locking him up with a new long-term deal. They clearly see him as a foundational piece - not just a trade chip.
The message from Utah is loud and clear: Walker Kessler is part of the plan. And judging by how aggressively other teams tried to acquire him, the rest of the league sees his value too.