According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Utah Jazz are not looking to trade Walker Kessler.
While the Jazz will likely be open for business during trade season, Kessler and All-Star Lauri Markkanen will not be moved.
“Utah is not shopping Kessler and view him as a young foundational piece to their core alongside Lauri Markkanen, a league source familiar with the situation recently told me,” Sidery wrote.
The Jazz could look to move veterans Jordan Clarkson, John Collins and Collin Sexton.
Kessler has appeared in 29 games for the Jazz this season. He’s averaging 10.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.6 blocks while shooting 71.5% from the field, 66.7% from beyond the arc and 55.8% from the free-throw line.
The 23-year-old Kessler has career NBA averages of 9.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.4 blocks.
Kessler’s girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, recently won Miss America.
“That was not on my bingo card, for sure,” Kessler told KSL. “It’s a great title and stuff, but more than that she’s an incredible young woman, even before she won Miss America or anything. It’s cool to see her get recognized for that, but she’s an incredible person. To me, she’ll always just be Abbie.
“I’m not a big believer in coincidences. I definitely think it’s a God thing. The fact that we play in Orlando one time the whole year, and it happens to be the night of her finals night, and she wins. I mean, you couldn’t have drawn it out better.”
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He’s a good player. But definitely reaching the overrated by the media and perhaps the Jazz point.. It’s more the look and demeanor, for Utah and fans, I think that has them excited and hoping he’s their guy.
He hasn’t played up to the talk I read and hear. When I’ve watched him he’s a step slow on D, not because he’s a actually a step slow, but because he’s not anticipating quite quickly enough for what’s going on out there. The game moves a bit too fast for him at times.
Your “beyond the arc” stat gave me pause, because I don’t see him shooting threes. I looked it up. He’s 2/4 on the SEASON. Not quite 67%, or worth noting. He doesn’t shoot them. And if his free throws are any indication, that’s a good choice.
He has decent discipline on offense. Doesn’t shoot bad shots. Gets rebounds at a reasonable rate. Seems like a good teammate. Would be a nice fit on a GOOD team with stars who keep his role simple. But not a main guy for major responsibility anytime soon if at all. Good luck to him.