The Indiana Pacers may have an opportunity to correct what has been their biggest offseason blunder: letting Myles Turner walk to a division rival. After failing to re-sign their longest-tenured player and elite rim protector, the Pacers are now eyeing a familiar name on the trade market, Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Pacers are a projected landing spot for the 23-year-old center, who has long been a target of the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Jazz have not actively shopped Kessler, they’re reportedly willing to listen to offers but only if teams are willing to meet their steep demands.
NBA insider Jovan Buha revealed that Utah is asking for two first-round picks and a young player in return. That may seem excessive for a non-star, but Kessler’s skill set makes him one of the best young defensive anchors in the league.
Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game this past season, while shooting an efficient 66.3% from the field. He became just the fourth player in NBA history to average at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 65 percent or better, joining elite company.
He’s also on the final year of his rookie contract, set to earn $4.8 million in 2025-26, which means any team acquiring him would need to be ready with an extension soon after.
Indiana’s interest makes perfect sense. After Rick Carlisle called re-signing Myles Turner the “No. 1 priority” of the offseason, losing him to the Milwaukee Bucks not only weakened the Pacers defensively but also damaged their frontcourt depth.
Turner’s departure left a gaping hole in the middle, and with star guard Tyrese Haliburton expected to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign, Indiana can’t afford to waste a year without stability at the center position.
Kessler brings everything Indiana needs: elite rim protection, rebounding, pick-and-roll finishing, and mobility. He would be a plug-and-play defensive backbone for Carlisle’s system and could grow alongside Indiana’s younger core.
A potential trade package to bring Kessler to Indiana might include Ben Sheppard, promising forward Jarace Walker, and first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, along with a 2027 second-rounder originally owned by the Jazz.
Potential Trade Package
Utah Jazz Receive: Ben Sheppard, Jarace Walker, 2027 Indiana Pacers first-round pick, 2029 Indiana Pacers first-round pick, 2027 Utah Jazz second-round pick
Indiana Pacers Receive: Walker Kessler
It’s a hefty price, but one that reflects both Utah’s high valuation of Kessler and Indiana’s desperation to shore up its defense.
The Lakers had long coveted Kessler but could never match Utah’s asking price. Now the Pacers, after a gutting offseason misfire, may be in a position to beat them to it.
With Haliburton sidelined and playoff hopes dimmed, acquiring Kessler would not only stabilize Indiana for the short term, but it would also secure them a long-term interior anchor once their franchise point guard returns.
For a team suddenly in damage control, landing Walker Kessler might just be the first right move they’ve made all summer.
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