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Jazz trade Walker Kessler to Lakers amidst contract tensions

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 12:48 AM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Jazz trade Walker Kessler to Lakers amidst contract tensions

Summary

The Utah Jazz traded center Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers on July 1. The deal follows Kessler's dissatisfaction over a lack of contract extension entering the 2025-26 season. The Jazz opted to leverage Kessler's 2026 restricted free agency for future assets, acquiring unprotected first-round picks and pick swaps. The Lakers, seeking a complementary center for Luka Dončić, navigate roster changes as LeBron James considers his future with the team.

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•Kessler was disgruntled over contract negotiations with the Jazz.
•The Lakers aimed for a versatile center to enhance their roster.
•Jazz received two unprotected first-round picks and pick swaps.
•Kessler's contract could reach $130 million over four years.
•LeBron James' decision looms over the Lakers' cap space.

Latest Updates

12:48 AMYahoo Sports — Analysis: Looking at Jazz deal to send Walker Kessler to the Lakers from all sides

What they're saying

"
The circumstances leading up to the Utah Jazz trading Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday were not a secret. The Lakers were desperate for a defensive, rim-running, lob threat of a center to pair with Luka Dončić, and they knew that they were likely to have to pay a hefty price in order to get the right guy considering the available free agents, willing trade partners, and premium on prying away restricted free agents. The Jazz were in a situation where Kessler and his camp went into the 2025-26 season disgruntled by the lack of an extension prior to the start of the campaign.
— Yahoo Sports

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Los Angeles Lakers Portland Trail Blazers Utah Jazz NBA Basketball