The Utah Jazz are reportedly set to go through a bit of a sale.
Danny Ainge is well aware of the fact that his team isn’t good enough to compete at the highest level right now, but they still have some valuable players they could flip into more valuable assets.
They clearly didn’t have much of an interest in getting picks for this underwhelming NBA Draft class.
But with the class of 2025 being one of the most stacked in years, we could finally see some traction in Salt Lake City.
Surprisingly, some rumors claim they could even look to part ways with Walker Kessler.
Kessler has only been there for two years and he’s just 22 years old.
However, the fact that they took Kyle Filipowski and that Will Hardy kept going with Kessler in the second unit could mean that they’re not entirely sold on the Auburn product.
Per Ian Begley of SNY, the Jazz are reportedly asking for at least one first-round pick for the promising rim protector (via NBA Central).
Utah is reportedly seeking a first-round pick for Walker Kessler, per @IanBegley
“Teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first round pick in return for Kessler”
(🎥 @sny_knicks )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 9, 2024
Given his age and the fact that shot-blockers don’t grow on trees anymore, it makes sense.
Kessler got some international playing experience by joining Team USA for the FIBA World Cup.
He has Defensive Player of the Year potential, averaging 2.4 blocks per game in roughly 23 minutes a night in just his second year in the league.
The price might seem steep, but with a shortage of rim protectors, it shouldn’t take long before they find a trade suitor.