Could Walker Kessler Be on the Move? Jazz-Pacers Trade Talks Heating Up
Walker Kessler’s name hasn’t been at the center of trade talks in a while, but that might be about to change - and this time, the Indiana Pacers could be the team to watch. While past speculation often revolved around the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential landing spot, the reality is the Utah Jazz were never likely to send a promising young big man to a conference rival, especially not one as high-profile as L.A. Indiana, however, presents a different kind of opportunity - one that might actually get Utah’s front office thinking.
What’s the Deal with Kessler and the Jazz?
Let’s start with the basics. Kessler is still on his rookie deal, earning just under $5 million this season, and he’s not hitting restricted free agency until this upcoming summer.
But according to recent reports, there’s already some friction between the Jazz and Kessler’s camp when it comes to his future price tag. That disagreement - which has surfaced more than once - could open the door for a proactive team like Indiana to make a move before he hits the open market.
The Pacers have reportedly shown interest in Kessler on two separate occasions in recent weeks. And while restricted free agency gives Utah the right to match any offer, Indiana’s best shot at landing him might be via trade - now, before things get messy in the offseason.
What Could a Deal Look Like?
Here’s one framework that’s been floated:
Pacers receive: Walker Kessler
Jazz receive: 2026 top-3 protected first-round pick, 2028 unprotected first-round pick
From a salary standpoint, this is a relatively easy trade to execute. Kessler’s contract is modest, and while the Pacers are hard-capped at the first tax apron and can’t use their trade exceptions, matching his salary wouldn’t be difficult.
But this isn’t just about numbers - it’s about strategy. Utah would be betting on Indiana struggling in the near future, and there’s some logic to that.
The Pacers are in a tough spot. Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire season, and Myles Turner is now in Milwaukee.
That’s a major talent drain. Without their star guard and defensive anchor, Indiana’s outlook is bleak, and Utah could be positioning itself to capitalize.
The 2026 pick is top-3 protected, which gives Indiana some insurance, but if the Pacers finish just outside that range, Utah could be looking at a high lottery selection. Add in an unprotected 2028 pick - with the hope that Haliburton’s Achilles injury might still be affecting his game long-term - and the Jazz could be stacking assets while still remaining competitive in the short term.
Why Would Utah Consider This?
This is where things get complicated. Kessler isn’t just another young player - he’s a defensive force with legit upside. Trading him would be a big move, and it would only happen if the Jazz aren’t sold on him as their long-term solution at center.
And that’s where the smoke starts to turn into something more. If Utah truly sees a disconnect between Kessler’s perceived value and what he’s expected to command in his next contract, moving him now - while he’s still on a team-friendly deal - might be the best way to maximize his value.
It’s also worth noting that the Jazz owe a 2026 pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. If that pick conveys, Utah could be left empty-handed in a critical draft year. Acquiring a potential high lottery pick from Indiana in that same window could be a safety net - or even a springboard - depending on how the chips fall.
What’s in It for Indiana?
For the Pacers, this is about locking in a long-term piece in the middle. Kessler fits their timeline and their needs.
He’s young, mobile, and brings the kind of rim protection they’re sorely lacking with Turner gone. If Indiana believes in Haliburton’s recovery and is willing to commit to Kessler financially, this could be a forward-thinking move that stabilizes their core.
But it’s not without risk. Giving up two first-round picks - one of them unprotected - for a player who hasn’t yet fully broken out offensively is a gamble. And if Kessler doesn’t take the next step, or Haliburton’s recovery stalls, the Pacers could be looking at a tough rebuild with fewer draft assets to work with.
Where Do Things Stand?
Right now, this is still in the realm of possibility, not inevitability. But there’s enough smoke here to suggest that both teams are at least exploring the idea.
If the Jazz are truly unsure about Kessler’s long-term fit - or simply unwilling to meet his price tag - then this kind of trade could allow them to pivot without taking a step back. And for the Pacers, if they believe Kessler is a foundational piece, now might be the time to act before the bidding war begins in restricted free agency.
This isn’t a trade that would make everyone happy. In fact, fans on both sides might balk at the idea. But sometimes, the best deals are the ones that make you uncomfortable - because they force you to think long-term.
And in this case, both Utah and Indiana might be doing just that.