Latest news with #WalkerKessler
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Collin Sexton trade grades: What the heck are the Jazz doing? Is there a Lakers angle to all this?
The Utah Jazz just completed a curious trade, sending high-volume scorer Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round selection to the Charlotte Hornets for the modest return of Jusuf Nurkić. This is largely confusing and could be the first step in a series of moves for the Jazz. Advertisement Or ... they could just have made a trade that makes very little sense. Guess we'll find out. Onto the grades we go! Jazz get bigger and perhaps clear opportunities for Ace Bailey Let's get one thing out of the way. Sexton is a better player than Nurkić and not by an insignificant margin. For the Jazz to send out a pick sweetener seems backward, especially when you consider Sexton's contract is just $18.9 million and expires next summer, same as Nurkić's. So this isn't even a cap-clearing move. If anything, the Jazz actually take on money, as Nurkić sits at just under $19.4 million. Advertisement So the Jazz took on more money, sent out a pick and also gave away the best player in the deal? There can only be a few explanations for that, and the first centers around Ace Bailey, the fifth overall pick in this week's NBA Draft. Bailey is a high-volume shot-taker, a description that also fits Sexton. By removing Sexton from the equation, the Jazz could be leaning into the Bailey experience by offering him a healthy diet of shots right from the jump. That doesn't quite explain why they'd gift-wrap Sexton to the Hornets. Not unless they're bringing in a center in order to move another, such as Walker Kessler. Advertisement Why would Kessler potentially be on the move? One theory could be the Lakers having interest and perhaps they've offered an attractive package for the 23-year-old. We don't know whether that's in the cards, but surely we can't rule out such a theory, especially given the aforementioned trade package they relinquished for Nurkić, who tends to fall out of the rotation with most teams. Grade: Incomplete. Something here doesn't pass the smell test, and presumably the Jazz have something else lined up. If this is the totality of what they're trying to achieve, then we're looking at a failing grade. Advertisement For Charlotte's side, it all makes sense Sure, the Hornets just shipped out Nurkić and Mark Williams within a week, meaning they don't have a ton of center depth. But they also had another problem. LaMelo Ball hasn't exactly been the pillar of availability in recent years, and Sexton is one hell of an insurance policy. The 26-year-old is a career 18.8-point scorer who has sported a true-shooting percentage of 60.4 during his Jazz tenure. He's a rock-solid reliable scoring option who offers significant efficiency on high volume. If Ball goes down again, the Hornets can easily ask Sexton to absorb the extra offensive responsibility. Advertisement And they got a pick on top of that, while sending out Nurkić, who couldn't even break 20 minutes per game for them. That's a slam dunk. Grade: A+ Whether they got offered this out of thin air or negotiated this over the course of months, the Hornets agreed to terms that overwhelmingly favor them.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: The 2 big men L.A. checked on last season before failed Mark Williams trade
The post Lakers rumors: The 2 big men L.A. checked on last season before failed Mark Williams trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers made a lot of noise at the 2025 trade deadline, both for their deal acquiring Luka Doncic and their failed transaction involving Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. However, before attempting to get Williams, the Lakers reportedly had their eyes on Onyeka Okongwu and Walker Kessler. Advertisement The Lakers kept an internal list of players before reaching out to several teams in search of a deal, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The Utah Jazz reportedly asked for too much in return for Kessler, while the Atlanta Hawks seemed to have no interest in trading Okongwu. '[Walker] Kessler was one of the centers L.A. inquired about last season before the Williams trade, sources told ESPN, but Utah's asking price — multiple first-round picks — was too steep,' McMenamin wrote. 'The Lakers called the Atlanta Hawks about their 6-10, athletic big man Onyeka Okongwu last season, sources told ESPN. Other centers under contract that the Lakers have mulled internally since last season include Brooklyn's Nic Claxton and Portland's Robert Williams III.' With a clear roster need to address, the Lakers had their sights set on adding a center at the deadline. They managed to obtain one of the top available players in Williams before a failed physical caused the trade to fall apart at the seams. Without Williams, Los Angeles was forced to turn back to Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len, while giving LeBron James and Rui Hachimura more minutes at small-ball center. Lakers' lack of interior presence doomed 2024-2025 season Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images Despite landing Doncic at the deadline, the Lakers still suffered another early playoff exit, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Their defensive woes doomed them in the series, as Minnesota dominated three of its four victories by double digits. Advertisement Without a starting-caliber big man on the roster, the Lakers failed to keep up with the Timberwolves' frontcourt. Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert feasted all series for as long as it lasted. Los Angeles' lack of a center also gave the team no shot-blocking presence, allowing Anthony Edwards and Randle to attack the rim at will. The Lakers struggled with size all season, ranking 20th in points per game and 26th in rebounds, while opponents consistently outperformed them in both categories. Before he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic, Anthony Davis publicly complained about the team's lack of a true center, a void that forced him to play inside more than he wanted. Related: Lakers rumors: Luka Doncic still 'motivated' by stunning Mavericks trade Related: Lakers rumors: Where Austin Reaves, L.A. stand after rejected contract offer
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bobby Marks proposes trade that would give Lakers a promising center
According to at least one report, the Los Angeles Lakers have apparently already begun their quest to plug their massive hole at the center position. A beat writer for the Utah Jazz said recently that he thinks the Lakers have made a trade offer for Walker Kessler, an up-and-coming center who plays for the Jazz. There have been a couple other centers linked to the Lakers as far as players they could attempt to trade for. But ESPN analyst Bobby Marks suggested a different way they could address their need for a center — trade not for someone already in the NBA and established, but for a top college prospect. Advertisement In a recent article, he proposed a three-team deal in which Los Angeles would send out Dalton Knecht to the Portland Trail Blazers and an unprotected 2031 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 8 pick and No. 36 pick this year. It would then select Khaman Maluach at No. 8. "It should be noted that this trade is contingent on whether Duke's Khaman Maluach is on the board when Brooklyn is picking," Marks wrote. "If he is, then the Lakers have their starting center for the future, but at the cost of last year's first-round pick, Knecht, and an unprotected first in 2031. It is the same package the Lakers sent to Charlotte in the failed Mark Williams trade last February, except the 2031 first-round swap is not included. "... In Maluach, the Lakers get a lob partner for Luka Doncic, a rim protector and the paint presence they lacked in the first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves." While some feel Maluach will be a lottery pick, others expect him to go later in the first round. At 7-feet-1 and 253 pounds, he's an excellent rim protector who can also effectively guard on the perimeter, particularly in pick-and-roll sets. He's a strong finisher near the rim who will either throw down a dunk or score on layups, and he has a fairly strong motor that helps him, among other things, attack the offensive glass. The South Sudan native averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.3 minutes a game this season as a freshman for Duke University. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Bobby Marks proposes trade that would give Lakers a promising center
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dalton Knecht Named in Lakers Trade Report on Saturday
Dalton Knecht Named in Lakers Trade Report on Saturday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore ways to strengthen their roster this offseason as they look to build a more balanced group around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Following an early playoff exit, the front office has prioritized adding size and rim protection to complement their star duo while working around limited cap flexibility. Advertisement One area that remains a clear focus is at center. Los Angeles has struggled with consistent interior defense over the past two seasons, often relying on smaller lineups that left them vulnerable against bigger frontcourts. The team nearly traded rookie wing Dalton Knecht for center Mark Williams at the deadline, but rescinded the deal after failing Williams on his physical. Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (23) and Dalton Knecht (4).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images In a new report on Saturday from ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Knecht was again named as a positive trade asset Los Angeles can use to upgrade areas of need on the roster, particularly at center. "On the trade market, Dalton Knecht and the Lakers' 2031 first-rounder will continue to be positive assets the Lakers can include in offers, as well as the expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) as Pelinka searches for a center," he wrote. McMenamin named Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler as a player LA has shown interest in, but mentioned the asking price had previously been too steep. Last season, the 23-year-old averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 58 games, offering Utah a cost-controlled anchor under contract through 2026. Advertisement As for Knecht, it seems the Lakers like their 2024 first round pick, but understand he may be a necessary trade asset to bring back a center. Related: Lakers Fans Upset After LeBron James' Reported Career Decision Related: New Report Says 'Mystery' Surrounds Luka Doncic's Lakers Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Potential Deal For The Lakers To Land Walker Kessler And John Collins
Potential Deal For The Lakers To Land Walker Kessler And John Collins originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers have aggressively been scouring the offseason trade and free agent markets to bolster their roster. With a primary emphasis on centers and frontcourt, the Purple and Gold have been rumored to be linked with several players. Advertisement A recent rumor that has garnered a lot of attention has seen the Lakers in talks with the Utah Jazz, in particular for their forward John Collins. The Jazz forward, who will be an expiring contract next season, could be an ideal addition to the Purple and Gold's roster, especially when paired next to superstar Luka Doncic. But this may not be the only move Los Angeles makes. With rumors suggesting that the Lakers have shown an interest in Jazz big man Walker Kessler as well, the Purple and Gold could very well attempt to kill two birds with one stone in trade discussions. Considering the Lakers' need to reinforce their frontcourt, any trade to acquire legitimate big men would be viewed as a priority. In light of this, we take a look at a potential trade deal to help the Purple and Gold land the Jazz's big men. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler, John Collins Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, No. 55 pick, 2031 first-round pick This deal sees a lot of moving parts, with variable benefits for each party. Let's explore how the trade impacts each team involved. The Lakers Solve Their Frontcourt Issues The addition of John Collins and Walker Kessler gives the Lakers an unprecedented amount of security in the frontcourt. When considering how effective both players have been in their respective positions, the Purple and Gold would have effectively solved the majority of their frontcourt issues with this trade. Advertisement Collins has proven himself to be an extremely versatile offensive forward. Although he boasts impressive shooting ability and an ability to stretch the floor, the Jazz forward is also very athletic, allowing him to be a capable lob threat. The 27-year-old is far from being the player he was during his time next to Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. Regardless, his averages of 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds on 52.7% shooting from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc are impressive. With the Lakers, particularly next to Doncic, these numbers are also likely to increase as Collins would become a beneficiary of the Slovenian star's incredible passes. Meanwhile, the Lakers' interest in Walker Kessler has not been random. Kessler is a genuine seven-footer, an intimidating presence under the basket who could potentially become the anchor of the team's defense. At only 23 years old, Kessler has been viewed as a reliable big man. His averages of 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game present a lot of opportunity on a team that is in desperate need of a center capable of establishing their presence in the paint. Advertisement Kessler's development over the last three seasons has been worthwhile, but it is his consistency as a shot-blocker that will garner particular interest. With a career average of 2.4 blocks per game, the young center should become a capable rim protector for this Lakers' team. The addition of these two players gives the team a lot of options when it comes to roster construction moving forward. While there have been free agents who have been presented as targets for the Purple and Gold, primarily using their taxpayer MLE, this trade would allow them to address other concerns. The Jazz Acquire Relevant Assets It is important to note that this trade doesn't necessarily help the Jazz become a competitive team next season. Considering the state of their roster, Utah is still in the middle of its rebuilding project. Although underwhelming in that regard, this trade still gives the team the necessary assets to keep building. Advertisement The addition of Rui Hachimura and Maxi Kleber is a prime example of this. The veteran forwards were solid players last season, barring Kleber, who missed a large chunk of the year due to injury. Hachimura remains a valuable contributor to any team he is on, especially after recording a respectable average of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds last season. But these players will have more value to the Jazz owing to their contracts. Both players will be on expiring contracts next season, with roughly $30 million coming off the books. Utah will clear a significant amount of cap space for next summer by acquiring these two players. The workable assets for Utah, in this trade, are Dalton Knecht and the draft picks coming from LA. Knecht proved to be an interesting developmental prospect. Having shown the potential to transform into a deadly perimeter threat, after averaging 9.1 points on 37.6% shooting from beyond the arc, Utah could look at cultivating his talent for the future. Advertisement The addition of draft picks does very little other than adding to the Jazz's already overflowing war chest of draft capital. While the No. 55 pick does have some value, considering that the Lakers were looking to draft a talented big man using it, the Jazz may look to revisit this approach by using it as a trade chip. The Lakers' Potential Starting 5 This trade gives the Lakers a significant boost in their frontcourt rotation, inadvertently also building up their bench strength. With the addition of Walker Kessler and John Collins, the Purple and Gold could see a starting rotation featuring: PG - Luka Doncic SG - Austin Reaves SF - LeBron James PF - John Collins C - Walker Kessler With players such as Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt coming off the bench, the Lakers could see a much more holistic frontcourt rotation. However, with a need to add playmakers and wing depth, the Purple and Gold could revisit their offseason plans after completing this trade. Advertisement And with TWG Global stepping in as the new owners of the team, the Lakers also have the financial backing to make a big splash in the offseason. Related: Austin Reaves Believes Lakers Can Win The Title With A Couple Of Additions This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
