According to Jake Fisher, the Utah Jazz are open to trade talks for Walker Kessler.
From Fisher's article:
There appears to be a wide range of starting big men available for trade. A league source told Yahoo Sports that the Bucks are open to reshaping their roster and are evaluating the trade value of Brook Lopez. Sources said Houston warned Lopez that he would likely end up being traded if he re-signed with Milwaukee when the Rockets pursued him in free agency a year ago. Sources also said Atlanta continues to pursue a contract with veteran center Clint Capela, who is in the final year of his contract with $22 million owed to the 30-year-old rim protector. Rival teams believe Utah is open to trade talks for second-year Jazz center Walker Kessler. Additionally, the Detroit Pistons are evaluating the market for Isaiah Stewart, according to league sources.
This information has to be taken with a pinch of salt because it's coming from a “rival team,” but I've also heard rumors that the Jazz and Kessler might not be on complete agreement on these things. I spoke with Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune recently about it, and there certainly seems to be a bit of a disconnect.
Another thing that comes to mind here is that Kessler and Lauri Markkanen appear to have a close relationship. Does this mean that Utah isn't all that interested in making a move to please Markkanen? It may not mean anything, but I personally take it as a good sign for the health of the team. Under this front office, Utah is clearly willing to listen to offers for Markkanen as well, which bodes well for their decision. The last thing a team wants is to be tied down to a player and what he wants to do.
With the draft approaching, are teams thinking they can pass on Donovan Clingan and still get Walker Kessler? Will the Jazz, for example, listen to the Memphis Grizzlies? We'll find out soon.
