With the February trade deadline approaching, the Boston Celtics are expected to explore moves that can stabilize their roster and prepare them for a stronger push next season. One proposed deal has the Celtics targeting Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler to address a major weakness in the frontcourt.
Celtics Could Target Walker Kessler In Coming Trade Window
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints outlined a potential trade framework that would send Kessler to Boston. In the proposal, the Celtics would acquire Kessler, while the Jazz would receive Xavier Tillman, Josh Minott, and two second-round draft picks.
Bassett explained why Boston could be active at the deadline, especially given its current situation.
“With Jayson Tatum out for the year, the Boston Celtics are in a gap year of sorts. They traded a number of players during the offseason in an effort to get their finances in check, but they will want to contend again as soon as next year. One player the Celtics traded was Kristaps Porzingis. They also lost Al Horford to free agency, meaning the center position is their biggest weakness.”
Despite the challenges, the Celtics have stayed competitive. They are third in the Eastern Conference with a 24-14 record, showing strong depth and structure even without their franchise star. Still, the lack of a reliable, long-term center has been clear throughout the season.
Neemias Queta has stepped in and provided solid minutes, but the Celtics may want a more proven option moving forward. Bassett noted that Kessler fits what the Celtics need on both ends of the floor due to his rebounding and rim protection.
Kessler is having the best season of his career. During the 2025-26 campaign, he is averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game while playing just over 30 minutes a night. He is also shooting an efficient 70.3% from the field, making him a consistent presence around the basket.
Retaining Kessler Could Pose a Challenge for Celtics
From a financial standpoint, Kessler is an appealing target. He is playing on a four-year, $13,372,418 rookie contract that runs through 2025, with an average annual salary of just over $3.3 million. That low cost makes him easy to fit into the Celtics’ current payroll structure.
Bassett added that the real challenge would come later, not during the trade itself. While acquiring Kessler’s current contract would not be an issue, Boston would eventually need to negotiate a new deal once he is eligible. If the Celtics believe they can reach an agreement on an extension, the move would make even more sense.
Kessler was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was originally drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies, then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and later dealt to the Jazz, where he signed his rookie contract. He earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023.
For the Celtics, the deal would be about positioning themselves for the future. Adding a young, productive center could help solve a key roster issue and give the Celtics a strong defensive anchor once they return to full strength next season.
