Suns insider clarifies what Jazz really want in return for Walker Kessler
By Matt John
It's been on the rumor mill for some time now that the Utah Jazz have made Walker Kessler available in trade talks. It was confusing enough that the Jazz were actually entertaining this after Kessler's second NBA season, but it actually got even more confusing.
SNY's Ian Begley reported on July 8 that the Jazz want one first-rounder for Kessler.
"The Knicks had been in touch with Utah, had had some interest in Walker Kessler, the big man, as a potential solution for, at the backup five," Begley said via Knicks Videos account. "But teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first-round pick in return for Kessler in these conversations that have gone on earlier in the offseason."
Okay, trading Kessler is one thing, but at a price like that, it seems like the Jazz are trying to get rid of him no matter what. Even if his sophomore year didn't go great, that seems a little drastic for a team who has time on their side.
Well, Arizona-based radio host John Gombadoro set the record straight on what the Jazz truly are asking for in return for Kessler.
The Jazz want at least two first-round picks for Walker Kessler
When asked about the possibility of the Suns going after Kessler, Gombadoro provided the full details on what the Jazz would want in return from the Suns via his X account.
The Jazz want a first-round pick for him the Suns would NEVER give up 2031 for him so I would say this is not an option. They have Nurk and Plumlee with Odo as a third string big and Bol as a 4/5. https://t.co/ymPkG4sGAB
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 9, 2024
The Suns are short on assets, and their window is closing, so getting an asset like that would be pretty nice to have. Gombadoro later clarified via his X account that it's more than that.
Going to change this to they want at least 2 first round picks for him and will get it IF they trade him. He is 22 and a legit shot blocker/rim protector and they have already turned down 2 firsts from at least 2 other teams. He is not coming to Phoenix. https://t.co/zDA8QYKhiG
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 9, 2024
Okay, so now we have the full picture. The conclusion to draw here is that the Jazz are not trading Kessler for the sake of trading him. If they're serious about this, they will demand quite a bit and it makes all the sense in the world why they would.
Doing so means anyone who's interested should be ready to pay top dollar for a young and excellent rim protector. He may not get the same package the Nets got for Mikal Bridges, but one thing is for sure: either Kessler starts the 2024-25 season with the Jazz, or their arsenal of draft assets just got a lot bigger.