Three years into his career, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has established himself as a viable starting center in the NBA. Standing seven feet tall, he’s a class athletic rim-running, shot-blocking presence down low — a skill set coveted in today’s NBA alongside elite pick-and-roll guards.
He started all 58 games he played in for the Jazz last season, averaging career-highs in points (11.1 per game) and rebounds (12.2) while converting 66.6% of his shots. The former Auburn Tiger also blocked 2.4 shots per game, tying his career-high. The 22nd pick in the 2022 draft, Kessler has far outplayed that projection.
With Utah potentially looking to gather future draft assets and young players in return for their starting center, what teams could be in the market for the skill set that Kessler brings to the table? Let’s dive in, along with a featured video from NBA Insider Marc Stein.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ interest in Kessler was one of the worst-kept secrets about the trade deadline. They went in a different direction, instead trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams—until that deal was rescinded after a failed physical.
Entering the offseason, Los Angeles still needs a center. They were shown exactly what happens in the playoffs if you don’t have a competent big man when the physicality of the Minnesota Timberwolves manhandled them in the first round.
With Luka Dončić raising the ceiling of every center he’s played with, Kessler would thrive as his pick-and-roll partner. But more importantly, his defensive presence would be welcomed with open arms, as the team failed to protect the rim following the departure of Anthony Davis in the blockbuster Dončić trade.
Orlando Magic
After years of disappointment, the arrow points up for the Magic after two consecutive playoff appearances with a solid young trio: forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and point guard Jalen Suggs. What they don’t have is a high-level center.
While Wendell Carter Jr. has served in that role for the past four seasons, he puts a limit on the team. He doesn’t bring much to the table shooting-wise, as he was a 23.4% three-point shooter last season and averaged fewer than 10 points per game.
He reeled in just 7.2 rebounds per game and, on top of that, his lack of athleticism prevented him from finishing above the rim on offense and protecting the rim defensively, as he averages under a block per game in his career.
Kessler would fit right in as the final piece to the Magic’s defensive puzzle. Also a great screen-setter, he’d free up the team’s stars and give them an option as a finisher above the rim. The time is now for Orlando to go all in on accentuating their star trio.
Indiana Pacers
Until they solidify whether Myles Turner will be back next season (with his playoff run greatly raising his monetary value as he seeks a new contract), the Pacers have been listed in conversation involving centers this offseason.
The only center on the current roster under contract for next season is third-stringer Tony Bradley, albeit on a club option that Indiana could very well decline for more cap space. If Turner has indeed priced himself out of a return to the Pacers, it’d be wise for the franchise to be aggressive in acquiring a youthful, athletic big man who could play well with Tyrese Haliburton.
Kessler would fit that bill. He’s never played with an accomplished point guard in the league, yet he still reached double-figure scoring a season ago. His athleticism would allow him to run the lane in the open floor, not slowing down the fast-paced Pacers in the slightest. Additionally, he’s proven across his three seasons in the league that he’s a better shot-blocker than Turner.
If Turner departs in free agency, Kessler would quietly improve the team in more ways than one, despite being unable to shoot from deep.
Golden State Warriors
With their core of Stephen Curry (37 years old), Draymond Green (35), and Jimmy Butler III (35) slowly drifting out of their prime, expect the Warriors to be aggressive on the trade market, especially in improving the center position.
Realistically, Golden State hasn’t had an above-average center since Andrew Bogut spearheaded the defense in their 2015 championship. Since then, they’ve relied on Kevon Looney in and out of the starting lineup, played small-ball with 6-foot-6 Green at the five, and saw 2020 No. 2 pick James Wiseman struggle mightily in three seasons with the team.
There’s no better time for the Warriors to acquire a player like Kessler, who would give Curry a screen partner on and off the ball while giving the team an elite rim protector to compensate for the eventual athletic drop-off of Green and Butler.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have had their fair share of woes at the center position in recent years. They acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets at the trade deadline, but he’s better suited in a backup role, never having played more than 26.3 minutes per game in his career.
Phoenix was one of the worst offensive rebounding teams in the league a season ago after recovering just 22.6% of their misses, good for 26th in the league. Adding Kessler through the trade market would immediately boost that percentage, as he brought in 4.6 offensive boards alone per game last season.
1st in Offensive Rebounds per game, 1st in OREB%… we don’t talk enough about how Walker Kessler is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA pic.twitter.com/yWJSJBxtxn
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) June 9, 2025
His athleticism, defensive ability, and youth would also be appreciated, all things Phoenix has lacked in recent years. While not anticipated to start over entirely with Devin Booker still considered one of the league’s best, the presumed trade of Kevin Durant will welcome in a new era of Suns basketball that could also include the addition of Kessler.
