The Lakers’ connections to potential trade targets go back to this year’s trade deadline, when their search for a center intensified around the acquisition of Luka Doncic. With that search still alive and well, new reporting indicates they could circle back on a rival’s young center.
Report: Past Lakers Trade Target Resurfaces Under New Leadership
Jazz Could Hold Fire Sale Led by Austin Ainge
Only one week into Austin Ainge’s tenure as Jazz president, reports suggest that core players aren’t safe. On Friday, Sarah Todd of Deseret News said some expiring contracts and young players may be placed on the trading block, including breakout big man Walker Kessler and franchise star Lauri Markkanen.
“Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks. Many expect that the Jazz are willing to hear offers that would include draft picks in the 2025 draft as well as players on the Jazz’s current roster.
Obvious candidates for trade would be John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who are all on expiring deals as of the 2025-26 season, but league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen.”
She added that other executives are “banking on” the Jazz to move some of the aforementioned players this offseason.
Kessler, who averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game this season, was coveted by the Lakers as early as January, when LA reportedly tried and failed to meet a high asking price set by Jazz CEO Danny Ainge. Following the Feb. 6 trade deadline, Kessler continued to excel, putting up 13.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks on 57% shooting from the field. The 23-year-old remains on a rookie scale contract, set to earn $2.9 million and $4.6 million over the next two seasons, respectively.
Could the Lakers Re-Enter Talks for Walker Kessler?
The intel regarding the Jazz’s future plans may offer some hope for the Lakers as well, with Kessler seemingly back on the table near the NBA Draft and free agency.
In February, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus noted that the Jazz’s asking price for Kessler (pre-Doncic trade) was Dalton Knecht and LA’s 2029 and 2031 first-round picks. With the 2029 first since off to Dallas, the Lakers could come up with a similar proposal and take a second bite at the apple this summer. Such a deal had nearly worked with Mark Williams and the Charlotte Hornets, so pivoting back to Utah should not be much of an issue. Throw in Austin Ainge’s willingness for change and the Lakers’ dire needs for a center, and it seems logical for the two sides to touch base again.
The Lakers lacked an athletic and physical big man next to Doncic and LeBron James, and Kessler has shown he can check those boxes as an elite rim runner and protector. Aside from wreaking havoc in the paint, the 7-footer has also extended his range, albeit briefly. He tallied career-highs in threes made (six) and attempted (34) for a percentage of 17.6%. While the three ball isn’t an essential part of his game, it’s nice to know he has that in his arsenal. It would likely boost his favorability with head coach JJ Redick, who was a skilled marksman in his own right during his 15-year playing career.
Kessler remains an ideal trade candidate for the Lakers. If the Jazz are willing to negotiate under Austin Ainge, it could point to positive signs for both franchises.
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