Walker Kessler is no longer a member of the Utah Jazz. After months of rumors, the soon-to-be fifth-year center will be suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers.
While the Jazz could’ve matched the Lakers’ offer, they ultimately chose financial flexibility over Kessler. The final Walker Kessler trade is certainly leading to mixed reactions about what comes next for the franchise.
All that said, here’s why Utah fans shouldn’t feel as alarmed about life without him.
Los Angeles Lakers Paid a Heavy Price
The Ainges (Austin and Danny) got quite the return for Kessler in the deal.
As seen previously in his time with the Utah Jazz, Danny Ainge possesses a unique ability of sucking vital assets out of a rival organization to make the most of any big-time trade.
To acquire Kessler, the Lakers shipped out their unprotected first-round selections in 2031 and 2033. Utah also received first-round pick swaps from L.A. in 2028 and 2039.
On top of all that draft capital Utah received in the Walker Kessler trade, L.A. will also pay him a new four-year, $130 million contract.
Why the Utah Jazz Caught a Lucky Break
Money controls all that happens in the NBA. Under today’s CBA system, general managers have to choose wisely on how they spend, especially for a team like the Utah Jazz.
Hitting either the first or second apron can bring consequences. If teams spend over the first apron, they’ll be subject to the luxury tax and trade stipulations.
The second apron gets even worse. If a team like Utah crosses into that territory, the franchise can’t offer certain contracts to free agents, make trades for larger-salaried players, and can lose draft capital.
For example, take the Walker Kessler trade. If the Jazz theoretically matched the Lakers’ deal for Kessler, his new deal would’ve crowded their books. This would’ve put the Jazz into the luxury tax, hampering their ability to sign other players, among other limitations.
As with Kessler, Keyonte George now faces a similar situation. With no reported offer on the table, the guard needs to prove his performance last season wasn’t a fluke. It appears that George loves Utah, and the front office would like him back.
George emerged as the team’s leader last offseason when he invited the whole team down to Texas. He coaches the younger players, cheered for his teammates while he was hurt last year, and even represented the Jazz at the Draft Lottery.
George isn’t just an All-Star-level player; he’s a culture setter. While teammates loved Kessler, he didn’t have the same impact as George.
With the added cap space, the front office should now prioritize re-signing the young, promising guard.
Championship Teams Need Flexibility
Besides having the ability to re-sign core players, flexibility helps build deeper teams.
The past two NBA champions used the salary cap to their advantage. The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted and held onto cheaper contracts. When it came time to spend their money, Sam Presti chose the right role players to push the team to the next level.
The New York Knicks, on the other hand, took advantage of the massive pay cut that superstar Jalen Brunson took to build a contender.
The Jazz are following the OKC pattern. They already acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. Now, the front office can use the first half of the 2026-2027 season to identify positions that need fixing using their extra cap space.
The Show Goes On For Utah Jazz After Kessler Deal
While the Walker Kessler trade will leave some fans feeling sad, ultimately, the front office made the right decision.
Paying the wrong person can leave a team in desolate territory. Recent examples include the Lakers trading for Russell Westbrook or the Clippers signing Kawhi Leonard. Both signings seemed immaculate at the time.
Eventually, these teams’ championship windows closed entirely. Their respective pay limited their teams and prevented them from ultimately being truly in the championship conversation.
The Ainges are smart. They know what players fit the Jazz’s system, and they draft well.
With the Walker Kessler trade complete, the Jazz now look to the future, ready to make the moves necessary to compete. The hunt for the playoffs begins now for Utah.
Hopefully, with a little extra money and luck, they can contend for titles again.
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