Jazz’s next trade plans, Walker Kesler, prospects after Jaren Jackson Jr.’s blockbuster

The Utah Jazz they weren’t done reshaping their roster after the upset was over blockbuster trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.and league talk suggests further activity could follow before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

According to ClutchPoints, Jazz stay aggressive on the trade market immediately following Tuesday’s deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. An NBA insider reported that Utah is exploring options to build on the acquisition of Jackson while also acquiring veteran center Jusuf Nurkic and his expiring $19.3 million contract.

“Immediately after acquiring Jackson, the Jazz have remained very active in the market and are exploring options to potentially add to this deal, league sources told @ClutchPoints,” an insider wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The purchase of Jusuf Nurkic’s expiring $19.3 million contract is underway.”

Utah paid a high price to land Jacksonsending Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Kyle Anderson, George Niyang, a 2027 first-round pick via Minnesota, Cleveland or Utah (preferred), a 2027 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick and a 2031 Phoenix Suns first-round pick. In return, the Jazz received Jackson, John Konchar, Joc Landale and Vince Williams Jr., signaling a clear commitment to revamping their frontcourt and defensive identity.

Jazz commits Walker Kessler as a long-term cornerstone amid trade deadline negotiations

While speculation of additional roster changes ensued, Siegel reported that the Jazz appear firm on one key decision involving center Walker Kessler. In a separate post, a ClutchPoints insider said Utah has no intention of moving Kessler before the deadline.

“Jazz WILL NOT trade Walker Kessler, sources confirm to @ClutchPoints,” the post read. “All indications are that Kessler, who will be an RFA in the offseason, is getting a new long-term contract from the Jazz.”

Kessler, 24, opened his fourth NBA season with career-best production before suffering a torn ACL. In five games, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 70.3% from the field and 75% from 3-point range in 30.8 minutes per game.

With Jackson now leading the lineup and Kessler viewed as a long-term piece, Utah appears positioned to remain active until the Feb. 5 deadline, focused on complementary moves rather than another title-clinching push.