The Utah Jazz are rebuilding, but they could make a decision that could haunt them in the future.
The franchise may move on from a talented young center and sign a Boston Celtics guard who has battled to break into Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. “The Boston Celtics have been elite defensively (6th in opponents points scored per game, 108.7) and are the favorite to win it all again but could still benefit from an upgrade at the center position to solidify their interior presence,” noted Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar on Thursday.
“Walker Kessler, one of the league’s most promising rim protectors, is averaging 10.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game this season.”
“His ability to anchor a defense and dominate in pick-and-roll situations,
He’s an excellent fit alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.” “Utah’s acquisition of (Jaden) Springer and a future first-rounder provides additional flexibility in their ongoing rebuild, but this deal is all about the Celtics, who need coverage for 38-year-old Al Horford.”
Bitar’s trade proposal calls for the Jazz to transfer Kessler to the Celtics in exchange for Springer and a first-round pick in 2030.
While the Jazz are 20 games under.500, they do have a developing star in Kessler, who has lots of high-level basketball ahead of him.
Kessler is a difficult opponent on both ends due to his ability to fight for advantageous offensive positions, assist teammates who fell asleep on the perimeter, and snag defensive boards at a high rate.
Kessler has averaged 10.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 32 games with the Jazz this season, shooting 72.0% from the field.
Springer, on the other hand, has played only 35 games for the Celtics since the start of the 2023-24 season.
Given that Boston has multiple guards ahead of Springer on the roster, it’s not surprising that he averages less than 10 minutes per game.
If the Jazz are sensible, they will not follow Bitar’s suggestion this season.
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