The Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers showed significant interest in acquiring Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler before last week’s NBA trade deadline. The Raptors’ pursuit of Kessler was noted prior to their trade for Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Pacers were also linked to Kessler before they completed a deal with the Clippers to acquire Ivica Zubac. This Walker Kessler trade interest highlighted both teams’ desire to strengthen their frontcourt options.
According to league insiders, the Raptors made a strong effort to secure Kessler, as confirmed by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
“In addition to talking with the Kings about Sabonis and the Grizzlies about Jackson Jr., the Raptors also made a very strong push the day of the trade deadline for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, league sources confirmed to ClutchPoints,”
Siegel reported.
Offers Included Multiple First-Round Picks Despite Kessler’s Injury
Even though Kessler is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the Raptors reportedly offered multiple first-round draft picks in hopes of acquiring the young center. However, the Jazz showed no willingness to part with their promising big man.
“Multiple first-round picks were offered by the Raptors for Kessler, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, yet the Jazz held zero interest in trading their young big man.”
The Pacers also expressed heavy interest in Kessler prior to redirecting their focus toward obtaining Ivica Zubac from the Clippers.
“Other teams, including the Pacers before landing Zubac, showed heavy interest in trading for Kessler,”
Siegel added.
“The Jazz are fully expected to retain Kessler as a restricted free agent in the summer on a new long-term contract. After trading for Jackson Jr., Utah sees itself having a formidable big-man trio that can do damage defensively during the 2026-27 season.”
Kessler is seen as a complementary piece alongside the Jazz’s defensive stalwart and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., as well as the team’s leading scorer, Lauri Markkanen. This trio is projected to form a strong frontcourt foundation moving forward.
Jazz Rejects High-Value Trade Offer from Pacers
Reports indicate that the Indiana Pacers made a significant offer to the Jazz that included two unprotected future first-round picks, a sizable package similar to one the Clippers received for their center Ivica Zubac. Despite the value, Utah declined the Pacers’ proposal, choosing to keep Kessler and instead allowing Indiana to pursue Zubac.
NBA insider Chris Haynes provided confirmation of the Pacers’ bid and the Jazz’s decision to reject it ahead of the deadline.
“Sources: Indiana Pacers made a run at Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and offered a package highlighted by two unprotected first-round picks,”
Haynes reported.
“It was declined, and Pacers pivoted to Zubac. Kessler will be in demand as a restricted free agent this summer.”
Given Utah’s firm stance, Kessler remains a key piece of the Jazz’s future plans as they look to build around their frontcourt strengths for the coming seasons.
Sources: Indiana Pacers made a run at Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and offered a package highlighted by two unprotected first-round picks. It was declined and Pacers pivoted to Zubac. Kessler will be in demand as a restricted free agent this summer.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 5, 2026
