Could Utah's Walker Kessler be a fit in Boston? - 98.5 The Sports Hub
JB
Could Utah’s Walker Kessler be a fit in Boston?
The Celtics are in need of a big man, and Utah could potentially be solving their problem for them.
Kessler, who is just 24-years-old, is one of the league’s more promising young big men, averaging a double-double in his last full season (2024-25). The Auburn product only suited up in five games last season after suffering a torn left labrum.
The Jazz are reportedly trying to leverage the fact that Kessler is a restricted free agent to minimize his potential price on the open market. If Kessler decides that he no longer will play for Utah, even if it matches any offer sheet he signs, then it could set up a potential sign-and-trade. Amick reported that Kessler is "disenchanted" with the franchise.
At 7-2, Kessler is one of the best rim-protecting big guys in the league, and could be a great fit in Boston. Utah is a team with a lot of depth and money tied into its front court, so it could potentially be convinced to move off Kessler in a trade.
According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Kessler’s camp views him as a player that could receive up to $40 million a year. The Jazz on the other hand are currently only offering in the range of $25 million a year.
If reports surrounding Brad Stevens are true and the Celtics president is looking to shake up the roster, a move for Kessler could be an effective option, especially if they can’t land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Of course, a sign-and-trade would be the easiest route to acquire Kessler, and Boston does have the contracts to make it work. Derrick White could be the centerpiece at $30 million a year, with other contracts like Sam Hauser being added to make the move work.
Now a Kessler deal, or signing, could still be on the table even if Boston pulls off the Antetokounmpo deal, but the checkbook would be getting a little tighter.
If it doesn’t happen, a rim-running big to pair with Tatum and Brown is just what the Cs need, and with a new contract he would become a fixture in the lineup for the team’s next potential run at a title.
david Pontrelli
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Timothy Savage
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