The Raptors joined the Pacers in offering multiple 1st round picks for Walker Kessler

The Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers he supposedly had eyes for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler before last week’s NBA trade deadline. The The Raptors’ trade interest in Kessler is well documented before Toronto’s deal with the Los Angeles Clippers for Chris Paul. The same could be said for the Pacers ahead of the trade with the Clippers for Ivica Zubac.

League sources confirmed that the Raptors a strong push for Walker, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

“In addition to talking to the Kings about Sabonis and the Grizzlies about Jackson Jr., the Raptors also made a very strong push at the trade deadline for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, league sources confirmed to ClutchPoints,” Siegel said.

The Raptors offered multiple first-round picks for Kessler, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, but the Jazz were not interested in trading their young big man.

The Pacers also expressed interest before making a move on the Clippers’ Zubac.

“Other teams, including the Pacers prior to landing Zubac, showed strong interest in trading Kessler,” Siegel added. “The Jazz are expected to keep Kessler as a restricted free agent through the summer under a new long-term deal. After trading for Jackson Jr., Utah sees itself with a formidable trio of big men that can do damage defensively through the 2026-27 season.”

Kessler complements a dynamic frontcourt duo led by 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Jazz’s leading scorer, Lauri Markkanen.

The Jazz reportedly gave up 2 unprotected first round picks

The The Jazz reportedly turned down a trade offer from the Pacers for Walker Kessler, which included two future first-round picks. Perhaps an offer similar to the one the Clippers received for Ivica Zubac, which included two future first-round picks and one second-round pick.

The Jazz bounced the Pacers trade offer before the deadline, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

“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. “It was denied, and the Pacers turned to Zubac. Kessler will be wanted as a restricted free agent this summer.”

Kessler appears to be a big part of the Jazz’s future.