After the Utah Jazz acquired star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, many wondered what the trade means for the future of promising young center Walker Kessler.

During the Danny Ainge (and now Austin Ainge) era, the Utah Jazz have had an issue with being bad to prioritize their draft positioning, aka tanking. While they hold a protected first-round pick of their own in 2026, the Jazz are making a big swing to improve this roster.

NBA rumors reveal Utah Jazz turned down Indiana Pacers’ trade offer of two unprotected first-round picks for Walker Kessler.

Jackson Jr. is the centerpiece of the trade, a three-time All-Defensive team player who has twice led the NBA in blocks. He’s 26 years old, averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the struggling Grizzlies this year.

The Utah Jazz are waiving another one of their trade deadline newcomers.

NBA rumors reveal Utah Jazz trade plans following the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, with Walker Kessler’s future drawing attention.

Markkanen made his All-Star debut when the game was in Salt Lake City back in 2023. That year, he won the league’s Most Improved Player award while averaging 25 points a night. He beat out Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York’s Jalen Brunson for the honor.

An eye-catching law proposal from Utah officials could have an implications on Jazz games.