An NBA trade idea where the Boston Celtics acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz has been created.
NBA writer Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Celtics, Jazz and Miami Heat:
Boston Celtics get: Walker Kessler, $27.7 million trade exception
Utah Jazz get: Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Neemias Queta, 2026 protected first-rounder (from Celtics), 2026 second-rounder (from Celtics), 2029 protected first-round swap (from Heat), $5.5 million (from Celtics), $4.9 million trade exception
Miami Heat get: Anfernee Simons, draft rights to No. 53 John Tonje (from Jazz), $3.9 million trade exception
Kessler is one of the best centers in the NBA. He appeared in 58 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 66.3% from the field and 52.0% from the free-throw line. The 24-year-old recorded 28 double-doubles.
Kessler is eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension this offseason. He would become a restricted free agent next offseason if no deal is reached.
The Celtics need a center after trading Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks and losing Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs. Al Horford, who is an unrestricted free agent, is expected to retire from the NBA or sign with the Golden State Warriors.
“The team already has guards like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, elite wings (when healthy) in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, but no long-term fixture at center,” Pincus wrote. “That’s solved by the three-team trade, while immediately saving the franchise a fortune.”
Kessler has career averages of 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks. He will make $4.9 million next season.
The Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 playoffs in six games after winning the 2024 title against the Dallas Mavericks.
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