NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Ask Revealed for Jazz Center Walker Kessler

His name had been on the rumor mill throughout the summer, and now we're hearing just exactly what Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge was demanding in a trade for monster big man Walker Kessler.

The Utah Jazz reportedly wanted two first-round picks for Walker Kessler, per @TheSteinLine

“Before coming to terms on a blockbuster swap with Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns mere days before the start of training camp, New York made multiple trade runs at Utah's Walker… pic.twitter.com/L4Oo4R3jJA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 6, 2024

NBA Insider Marc Stein reports that when the Knicks came a-calling for Kessler (before they pivoted to acquire big man Karl-Anthony Towns), the Jazz were looking for "at least" two first-round picks in exchange for the shot-blocking youngster.

Before coming to terms on a blockbuster swap with Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns mere days before the start of training camp, New York made multiple trade runs at Utah's Walker Kessler to fill its well-chronicled void at center, league sources say. It is believed that Utah wanted at least two future first-round picks for Kessler … after the Knicks had exhausted much of their remaining cache of draft picks in the trade with Brooklyn for Bridges.

So the Knicks couldn't afford that, now we'll have to see if any other team is willing to bid that high.

Kessler had a tremendous rookie season in 2022-23 at the age of 21, posting 2.3 blocked shots per game, to go with 9.2 points and 8.4 boards. He finished 3rd in Rookie of the Year balloting.

Last season, his numbers were similar, but just slightly down in points (8.1) and rebounds (7.5). He did turn away 2.4 shots at the rim per game.

Sources tell Sam Amico of Hoops Wire that the Jazz are not desperate to trade Kessler by any means, but if someone comes along and matches Ainge's exorbitant price, then who knows?