Report: Jazz Rejected 'Multiple' Walker Kessler Trade Calls amid Lakers Rumors

The Utah Jazz have rejected several opposing teams looking to trade for center Walker Kessler, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.

Fischer reported on Thursday that Kessler has received "plenty of interest" and is a target of the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Jazz have turned down "multiple" offers for the 23-year-old.

While Utah appears to be listening to trade pitches from opposing front offices, more assets may need to be included in discussions for him to be moved prior to the Feb. 6 deadline.

The Jazz have seemingly maintained a high asking price for Kessler throughout the year, as SNY's Ian Begley reported in July that Utah rejected packages that included two first-round picks for the center.

In 19 starts this season, Kessler is averaging a career-high 11.2 points and 10.5 rebounds to go along with 2.8 blocks per game. He's also shooting 72.8 percent from the field, hitting 58.3 percent of his free throws.

Kessler has already established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the association, owning a career average of 2.4 blocks per game.

The former first-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft is still on his rookie contract and will hit restricted free agency following the 2025-26 season. He'll become eligible for an extension during the 2025 offseason, though.

With the Jazz sitting at No. 14 in the Western Conference standings with a 5-20 record, executive Danny Ainge may be hesitant to hand Kessler a long-term extension.

Rookie center Kyle Filipowski has also been a bright spot for Utah this season, shooting 51.8 percent from the floor and averaging 13.6 points to go along with 8.8 rebounds per 36 minutes to begin his NBA career.

While Kessler may not finish the regular season with the Jazz, he likely won't experience a change of scenery unless opposing front offices intensify their efforts to acquire him.