Breaking: Warriors sign Jazz’s Walker Kessler in a wild trade proposal from B/R.

As the Utah Jazz get into the thick of the 2024 NBA offseason, trade rumors will likely follow, along with some speculation and forecasts about potential big trades. Although Utah Jazz third-year center Walker Kessler has started to get some fame for himself, Lauri Markkanen has been a hot commodity on the NBA trade market for the past several weeks. Following a challenging second season in Salt Lake City, the 22-year-old has been linked to the possibility of a transfer if Danny Ainge were to receive the right offer.

A few possible Kessler trade concepts have also begun to emerge alongside that discussion, with Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley offering the most current option. According to Bleacher Report, the Warriors might be a great fit for Kessler in a trade, since they offered a package that Utah could consider, which included rookie Moses Moody and a protected first-round pick. Later on, Buckley spills the beans about the proposal, explaining why the Jazz want to sign the former Auburn big man and another young player so they may increase their draft capital:

The Jazz must ensure that the trade benefits them if they decide to part with Kessler after two mostly successful seasons to begin his career. One like this would. With Stephen Curry, the team’s 36-year-old star, and no other prominent players, a relatively lightly protected first may be quite useful. On top of that, Moody might do very well in Salt Lake City with the developmental minutes that are available. The Warriors’ stated asking price for Kessler is in line with their hypothetical package, which includes a first-round selection, but adding Moody might make the deal more palatable for the Warriors.

No matter how good the offer is, the Jazz still have every right to be wary of trading Kessler, a possible franchise cornerstone. After a disappointing sophomore season, trading away their potential starting center for a first-round selection seems hasty, but Kessler fits in well with the plan Utah has for their massive reconstruction. While those averages aren’t drastically different from his rookie year figures, the Jazz might use more production from him if they want to add depth to their squad going ahead. Kessler should have a chance to make up for a lackluster 2024–25 season with the Jazz if he stays with the team.

Expect Kessler to remain in Salt Lake City for the time being, despite teams eager to get a quarterback from Utah submitting some enticing trade offers.