REPORT: Warriors Land 7 Foot Center In A Trade With The Utah Jazz
The Golden State Warriors can strengthen their front line with a straightforward deal from the Utah Jazz.
The Golden State Warriors attempted to secure a high-profile co-star for Stephen Curry this summer but were unsuccessful. Paul George signed with Philadelphia, and Lauri Markkanen opted for a long-term extension with the Utah Jazz. Given their reluctance to disrupt the core of their roster, the Warriors might now focus on acquiring a complementary piece.
Walker Kessler’s long-term role with the Jazz is uncertain despite his strong performance over his first two seasons. With John Collins taking on significant small-ball center minutes for the Jazz, Kessler could become a valuable trade asset. The Warriors might consider offering a young scoring swingman along with a valuable draft pick to acquire Kessler and enhance their roster.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Receive: Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
A pretty simple transaction, in which the Jazz obtain an unprotected selection from the Warriors with a very unclear future four years from now. Furthermore, Moody might thrive with the Jazz, while Kessler delivers consistent centre play in a Conference of Giants.
The Warriors Add Size To Be A Playoff Threat In The West
In the Western Conference, size is a prominent trend among contenders. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns bolster the Timberwolves, and the Mavericks have a promising young center duo in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. The Thunder also invested heavily in Isaiah Hartenstein to complement Chet Holmgren. Even the Lakers, who outperformed the Warriors last season, have Anthony Davis and were seeking additional big man depth.
The Warriors, in contrast, rely on Kevon Looney, sophomore Trayce Jackson-Davis, and the undersized Draymond Green. With the need for more size and defensive capability, acquiring Walker Kessler could be a strategic move. Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season. While his traditional rim-protecting style can impact perimeter spacing, his defensive presence in the paint makes him a formidable deterrent against rim attacks.
Integrating Kessler would provide the Warriors with a much-needed defensive anchor, allowing Draymond Green to play as a power forward alongside Jonathan Kuminga, thus enhancing their defensive versatility. This could complement their defensive system, which could also feature Brandin Podziemski, creating a more formidable lineup in the West.
The Jazz Consolidate Into Complementary Assets
The Utah Jazz seem to be shifting away from a play-style that suits a traditional center like Walker Kessler, as their current strategy emphasizes small, versatile players across positions. Given that Kessler may not align with their future vision, they might consider trading him for assets that better fit their new direction.
Moses Moody could be an intriguing young addition for the Jazz. At 21 years old, he averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds last season with the Warriors. Moody has shown potential as a two-way player, which explains why the Warriors have retained him. Although he might not have the immediate value of Kessler, he offers a promising upside.
For the Warriors, the future is uncertain. Since their 2022 championship, they’ve faced multiple setbacks, including key departures and regression from star players. At age 36, Stephen Curry’s ability to carry the team long-term is questionable, making it crucial for the Warriors to either build a strong roster around him or prepare for life after him. Their 2028 pick becomes particularly valuable as it will be conveyed when Curry is 40, raising concerns about the team’s playoff viability at that point. If they can make a significant trade, such as acquiring Kessler, it could provide them with a solid foundation for both the present and future.
A Deal With Risk On Both Sides
The Jazz might choose to keep Walker Kessler to boost his trade value, especially if they’re headed for another tanking season. This strategy would allow them to continue showcasing Kessler’s abilities until they receive an enticing offer. The risk of waiting includes potentially missing out on the current value of a 22-year-old center and the uncertain future of the Warriors. However, if the Jazz hold on to Kessler, they might benefit from a high draft pick and additional development time for players like Taylor Hendricks in the frontcourt.
For the Warriors, acquiring Kessler could address their need for a strong rim protector. While his lack of versatility might be a concern, leveraging his strengths within a rotation that includes multiple center options could be advantageous. Kessler would offer valuable defensive insurance against the size of Western contenders and serve as a rim deterrent against smaller teams.
If the Warriors can enhance Kessler’s skills, particularly his on-ball passing and perimeter play, this deal could be highly beneficial. By optimizing Kessler’s defensive abilities and integrating him effectively into their lineup, the Warriors could significantly strengthen their roster and improve their chances of competing in the Western Conference.