Walker Kessler 'doesn't seem part of (Jazz's) long-term plan': Report

It's been a while since Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler appeared in trade rumors. However, just because plenty of time has passed since the initial rumors doesn't mean he's not on the market anymore.

In fact, a Kessler trade could still very much be in play, even if it won't be right away. Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus revealed the latest in an August 23 story.

"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," Pincus wrote.

Kessler is coming off a disappointing sophomore campaign after starting his NBA career with a bang. That hardly seems like a good reason to get rid of him unless there's something else at play here.

Why the Jazz might be willing to part with Kessler

This could go beyond a sophomore slump. If the rumors of Kessler's availability prove to be true, it's very possible that he and the Jazz don't see eye to eye on where to go from here.

Even though he's proven his value in the past, he may disagree with Will Hardy or would rather be part of a winning team now instead of a rebuilding(?) one like the Jazz. There have been no rumors indicating Kessler is a problem child in the locker room, but the Jazz may not want to take the risk of him becoming one.

Or perhaps they believe this might be as good as it gets with Kessler and may want to roll the dice on someone with more promise. If it sounds a little odd that they would give up on someone who initially seemed so promising at first, it is, but there would be more factors at play.

Kessler could be used to acquire another star

The Jazz aren't completely deprived of star power, since they'll have Lauri Markkanen for the long haul. If Kessler's time is up, they could use him to get another one, like Brandon Ingram.

Pincus outlined how a trade for Ingram involving Kessler could work. Because New Orleans desperately needs a center, and Ingram could be another step forward for Utah, a deal could make sense.

This is especially true if doing so could also mean the Jazz manage to get rid of John Collins, who, all things considered, has no future in Utah.

If the Jazz trade Kessler, it won't be just to get rid of him. They'll try to capitalize in any way that they can. If Ingram is the best they can do, acquiring him honestly isn't the worst idea.