NBA Rumors: Stunning Revelation on Walker Kessler's Status With Jazz

After two dominating seasons in the pivot as a rookie and a sophomore, at the ages of 21 and 22, 7-foot rim-protector supreme Walker Kessler is, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, stunningly a trade candidate from the Utah Jazz. We heard his name on the rumor mill a little bit earlier this summer, but to hear that he is not in the Jazz's "long term plan" is surprising.

REPORT: Walker Kessler doesn’t seem to be part of the Jazz’s “long term plan”, per @EricPincus. pic.twitter.com/ghGm78rXr3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 23, 2024

Per multiple sources, Utah has discussed Kessler previously in trade, including a stalled conversation with the New York Knicks. He doesn't seem part of the team's long-term plan.

Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks per game in his two NBA seasons, placing him 3rd in the entire league over that time with 327 total blocked shots, behind only Brook Lopez and Nic Claxton. He's also grabbed eight boards per game and shot 69% from the floor over the two years, while scoring 8.7 points per game.

Why the Jazz don't consider him a part of their future is a mystery to many. He came out of college as the No. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies after being named the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year award at Auburn.

He's done nothing but dominate down low at the defensive end for the Jazz, and finished 3rd in the Rookie of the Year balloting in 2022-23.

Kessler still has two years left on his rookie contract.