Things didn't all go according to plan for Utah this offseason, but they're coming out of this stronger than ever.
The Utah Jazz didn't really want to trade Walker Kessler over the offseason. When they traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. at the 2026 trade deadline -- losing young talent like Taylor Hendricks and Walter Clayton Jr. in the process -- the shot-blocking, rebound-inhaling center Kessler seemed like the perfect player to pair alongside Jackson, playing to the strengths of both players.
But contract negotiations stalled when Kessler asked for north of $30 million per year, a number that the Jazz simply weren't willing to match.
The Los Angeles Lakers, however, jumped at the opportunity to tie Kessler down, offering a contract more well-suited to Kessler's demands, and finally filling the void in their starting lineup.
Kessler's name had been near the top of NBA trade rumors since his sophomore season in Utah, and the Lakers were almost always a top candidate to reel in the Jazzman. In the end, it cost Los Angeles two first-round picks and an additional pair of pick swaps to bring Kessler back in a sign-and-trade.
Austin Ainge and the rest of Utah's front office didn't want to let Kessler go, but the price was too good to pass up as the Jazz handed over an established star for a fist full of draft picks.
Old habits die hard?
In a recent interview, Ainge elaborated on Utah's decision to part ways with Kessler, emphasizing the quality of the return.
"It's something that we had been talking off an on for a year about," Ainge recalled.
“ We really valued Walker. Walker's a good player. We were planning on keeping him. But that offer got high enough that we thought it was the right move to make for the Jazz for building a championship team."
Now with the chance to rethink the Jazz's lineup, Kessler's absence gives the Jazz a unique opportunity to explore their options. When asked about this opportunity, Ainge had the following to say.
"Nurkic was a priority for us. He had a really good year for us, and we think he fits well in Will [Hardy's] system. The way that we run some things through our bigs-- his decision-making ability really helped a lot of our guards get open and get shots. He's a great screen-setter and passer. He's obviously an unbelievable rebounder."
"Jaxson Hayes is a rim-running athlete, he can bring a lot of energy and athleticism. [...] Mo Bamba had a really good year for us with the Salt Lake Stars last year... He has length, shooting, there are a couple of different styles."
The way that Ainge didn't mention JJJ among the Jazz's options at center leads me to believe they view their new star as a power forward primarily -- that could shed some light on Utah's starting lineup this year, with the implication being Ace Bailey coming off the bench so that Markkanen and JJJ can play the 3 and the 4.
