The Golden State Warriors attempted to secure a co-star for Stephen Curry this summer but were unsuccessful, with Paul George signing with Philadelphia and Lauri Markkanen extending his contract with the Utah Jazz. Unwilling to sacrifice their core, the Warriors may focus on acquiring a complementary piece instead.
Walker Kessler’s long-term fit with the Jazz is uncertain, despite two strong seasons. With John Collins getting extended minutes as a small-ball center, the Jazz might consider trading Kessler to better align with Will Hardy’s play style. The Warriors could offer a young scoring wing and a valuable draft pick to bring Kessler to Golden State.
**Trade Details:**
– **Golden State Warriors Receive:** Walker Kessler
– **Utah Jazz Receive:** Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
This straightforward trade gives the Jazz an unprotected first-round pick from the Warriors, who may face an uncertain future in four years. Moody, a promising player, could thrive with the Jazz, while Kessler would provide solid center play for the Warriors in a conference filled with dominant big men.
**The Warriors Add Size to Compete in the West:**
Contenders in the West are focusing on size, with teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Lakers all having strong big men. The Warriors, however, are limited to Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and an undersized Draymond Green as their center options. Kessler, who averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season, could fill this gap. He’s a traditional rim protector, crucial for defending against the West’s giants, even if his presence might limit perimeter play.
**The Jazz Rebalance Their Roster:**
The Jazz may be moving away from a style that accommodates a traditional center like Kessler, instead favoring small, versatile players. While Kessler is a strong asset, he may not fit their long-term plans. Acquiring Moody, a young wing with potential, along with a future first-round pick from the Warriors, could help the Jazz develop their roster.
**A Risky Deal for Both Sides:**
The Jazz could hold onto Kessler to see if his value increases, but trading him now offers the potential upside of a valuable future pick and the opportunity to develop other players like Taylor Hendricks. For the Warriors, Kessler would provide elite rim protection, though his lack of versatility might be a concern. Still, he could be a crucial piece in matchups against the West’s larger teams, and if the Warriors can help him develop his on-ball skills, the trade could be a major success.
