Walker Kessler Traded to Lakers, Latest Rumors on New Contract and Jazz's Full Return Package

After four years in Utah, Walker Kessler is leaving the Jazz.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the big man is signing a four-year, $130 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a sign-and-trade with the Jazz.

The Jazz will receive unproteted first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as the right to first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.

Charania noted Kessler's deal includes a player option for the fourth season plus a full trade kicker.

Ahead of the start of free agency, the Jazz gave Kessler a one-year qualifying offer worth $7 million, which made him a restricted free agent. As a restricted free agent, the Jazz had the chance to match any offer sheet presented to him.

Before the offseason even began, Kessler had plans to secure a big contract, whether in Utah or elsewhere. The Jazz reportedly offered him a five-year deal worth nearly $140 million, but Kessler's representation rejected it.

Kessler reportedly was unhappy with Utah going into the offseason after not receiving an extension last year.

While the Jazz were expected to match any offer sheet Kessler received, they ultimately decided not to do so with the Lakers' offer.

Kessler should be an instant upgrade in the Lakers' frontcourt. While he missed all but five games last year because of a shoulder injury, he's proved early on that he's one of the best paint defenders in the league.

In his last healthy season in 2024-25, Kessler posted 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. That kind of defense is welcome on any roster, and it made him one of the more coveted prospects this offseason.

Once Kessler hit restricted free agency, Los Angeles quickly became a team to watch. The Lakers landed Deandre Ayton in free agency last year, but it was clear Los Angeles needed more defense than Ayton provided.

Now, Kessler will look to be the missing piece as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves eye their first championship together after LeBron James' departure.