The Utah Jazz had no interest in parting ways with Walker Kessler ahead of the trade deadline - and they made that crystal clear, even with multiple teams putting serious offers on the table.
Both the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers reportedly made strong pushes for the 7-footer, each dangling multiple first-round picks in hopes of prying Kessler loose. The Raptors were in the mix before pulling off their deal with the Clippers for Chris Paul, while the Pacers made their play before pivoting to Ivica Zubac in a separate trade with L.A.
But despite the interest - and despite Kessler being sidelined for the rest of the season following shoulder surgery - Utah didn’t blink. According to reports, the Jazz rejected multiple offers, including a notable package from Indiana featuring two unprotected first-round picks.
That’s the kind of capital that typically gets a deal done. Not this time.
It’s a bold stance, but it speaks volumes about how highly the Jazz value Kessler - not just as a player, but as a cornerstone of their long-term vision. Even with his season cut short, Utah clearly sees Kessler as a foundational piece, and they’re planning to lock him in for the future. As a restricted free agent this summer, he’s expected to land a new long-term deal with the team.
And the fit makes sense. Kessler is part of what’s shaping up to be a formidable frontcourt rotation in Salt Lake City.
He slots in alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, and Lauri Markkanen, the team’s leading scorer. That trio brings a unique blend of rim protection, switchability, and scoring punch - the kind of versatility modern NBA teams covet.
The Jazz’s decision to hold firm at the deadline reinforces their commitment to building from the inside out. They’re not just collecting assets - they’re building a defensive identity around their bigs. With Jackson Jr.’s elite shot-blocking and Markkanen’s offensive versatility, Kessler’s presence as a rim protector and rebounder rounds out a frontcourt that could give opposing offenses fits in 2026-27 and beyond.
Indiana’s offer - which reportedly included two unprotected firsts - shows just how much Kessler’s stock has risen around the league. That kind of package isn’t thrown around lightly. But Utah’s refusal to deal him, even with that level of interest, says even more.
For now, Kessler remains a Jazzman. Come summer, expect Utah to make sure it stays that way.