Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers’ most consistent trade target of the last two seasons, once again finds himself in the rumor mill. His name resurfaced after reports surfaced that he and the Jazz won’t agree to a rookie-scale extension, per The Athletic’s Tony Jones. That decision sets him on course for restricted free agency in 2026.
Why Kessler’s Name Is Back in Play
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Jones reported that Utah still “highly value[s] [him] and see[s] him as a cornerstone to the future,” but Kessler’s looming restricted free agency opens a small door for teams like the Lakers to circle back. Historically, Los Angeles has been quick to check on Kessler’s availability. As Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World wrote, “If the Lakers were truly interested in acquiring Kessler via trade, it would take an extensive package from LA for the Jazz to ultimately consider it.”
That “extensive package” has reportedly included Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks, according to Lakers Daily’s Ashish Mathur. One source told Mathur, “The Jazz have a high asking price for Kessler… the Lakers would have to part ways with Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks to acquire [him].”
What a Trade Could Look Like
For Utah, that price reflects Kessler’s value as one of the league’s premier rim protectors. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 66.3% from the field. He recorded 28 double-doubles across 58 appearances.
Still, the Jazz might be tempted by a more balanced return — young talent, draft capital, and financial flexibility. Gupta floated the idea of a revised package: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick. That type of deal could give Utah younger depth while still preserving their long-term rebuild.
Do the Lakers Need Kessler?
For Los Angeles, the calculus is different. Center was a concern entering the offseason, but the front office landed Deandre Ayton in free agency. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has averaged a double-double every season of his career and brings Finals experience with the 2021 Phoenix Suns.
That raises the question: is now really the right time to pursue Kessler? “Getting caught up in a new round of trade winds with Kessler would put unnecessary pressure on their new big man,” one league insider cautioned.
If Ayton meshes well alongside Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Reaves, the Lakers may not need Kessler at all. But should Ayton stumble, Los Angeles could revisit Kessler closer to the trade deadline — or even wait until his restricted free agency in 2026, when his price tag may be more manageable.