The Jazz gave up 2 unprotected 1st round picks to the Pacers for Walker Kessler

The The Utah Jazz continued to signal their long-term commitment to Walker Kessler after a flurry of activity leading up to NBA trade deadlinereportedly turned down a substantial offer from Indiana Pacers for the youth center.

Chief NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Thursday that Indiana has made a strong push for Kessler, offering a package that headlines two unprotected picks of the first rounds. Utah declined the offer, prompting the Pacers to turn in a different direction to address their frontcourt needs.

“Sources: The Indiana Pacers made a run at Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and offered a package that highlighted two unprotected first-round picks,” Haynes reported on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It was denied and the Pacers turned to Zubac. Kessler will be wanted as a restricted free agent this summer.”

IIndiana ended up acquiring Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that sent Benedict Maturin, Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and a future second-round pick to Los Angeles. The move addressed a major offseason hole for the Pacers following the departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks following Indiana’s NBA Finals last summer.

Utah’s decision to reject Indiana’s offer comes amid a transformative period for the franchise. Earlier this week, The Jazz completed a surprising blockbuster trade to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr.reshaping their forward and defensive identity. While that deal fueled speculation that additional key pieces could be moved, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel has consistently reported that Kessler remains a focal point in Utah’s plans.

The Jazz are reaffirming Walker Kessler as a long-term staple despite the Pacers’ aggressive pursuit

After trading Jackson, Siegel immediately reported that the Jazz had no intention of moving Kessler before the deadline and that they expected him to be long-term. Kessler will become a restricted free agent this offseason, and league sources have indicated Utah is willing to offer him a new long-term contract despite aggressive interest from rival teams.

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 three-point range. His efficiency and defensive impact only strengthened Utah’s determination to keep him.

The The Jazz enter Thursday at 16-35 and beat the Pacers 131-122 on Tuesday evening. Utah continues a three-game road trip Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 PM ET as it evaluates its retooled roster after multiple deadline moves.

Indiana, now 13-38, begins a six-game road trip Friday night against Milwaukee at 8 PM ET. While the Pacers found their center of the future in Zubac, Haynes’ report underscores how highly regarded Kessler is around the league.

For Utah, shedding two unprotected first-round picks reinforces a clear message: Even amid the sweeping changes highlighted by the acquisition of Jackson, Kessler remains a cornerstone of the Jazz’s long-term vision.