The Jazz rejected the Pacers’ Walker Kessler trade effort

Trade rumors continue to circulate Utah Jazz. Speculations come even from Walker Kessler will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. From the sounds of it, the injury isn’t holding him back Indiana Pacers away, as it sounds like the franchise is still reaching out to Utah about a potential deal.

While that may be the case, rumors suggest that the Jazz will reject offers The Pacers do, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Indiana is said to be trying to find a solid center to pair with point guard Tyrese Halliburton when he eventually returns from injury next year. But Utah seemingly wants to keep the 24-year-old big man on its roster.

“Kessler will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the Jazz continue to signal that they hope to re-sign him after first using their salary cap space in the offseason … despite the fact that the parties’ negotiations to extend rookie contracts ahead of the Oct. 20 deadline for such contracts have been marked by a significant, recurring signal from Salt Lake City. that they want to keep Kessler has not prevented Indiana from expressing trade interest in the big man prospect.”

The first time that jazz has refused trade offers for Walker Kessler, per HoopsHipe’s Michael Scott. Utah reportedly turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers in the past for Kessler. So it seems like the front office is thrilled with the idea of ​​keeping him on the roster for the long haul.

“It’s worth noting that Utah rejected significant trade interest from the Los Angeles Lakers for Kessler in the past before the Lakers offered a similar trade package for Mark Williams, which was ultimately withdrawn.

The fourth-year center suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder after just five games played this season. In those contests, Walker Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 70.3% from the floor and 75.0% from the three-point line.

Walker Kessler is in his senior year of his rookie contract and should be a restricted free agent. That means the Jazz will have the privilege of matching any potential offers Kessler receives during free agency.