Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Celtics Rumored Trade Target One Step Closer to Getting Moved

By Richard Louis

Sep 24, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Boston Celtics have the third-best record in the NBA behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. They've had a few bumps in the road but found ways to bounce back. That's what good teams do. The Celtics are the team with the biggest targets on their backs.

The Celtics have their nucleus of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, but they could still use another presence in the frontcourt. Utah's Walker Kessler is a name that has been floated as a potential trade candidate. The trade deadline is on Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. EST and a possible Kessler trade took another step forward.

Walker Kessler Was a Healthy Scratch for Jazz

Kessler appeared to be a healthy scratch for Utah's game against the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 12. He returned to action in Wednesday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets, but they could looking to keep him healthy as they seek to find a trade partner.

The Celtics could use another athletic big man in the frontcourt who could be a reliable defender and score when given the opportunity. That's what Kessler can provide.

This season for the Jazz, the 23-year-old is seventh in the NBA in rebounds (11.4) and first in field-goal percentage (72%) with 10.8 points and 2.5 blocks per game. Kessler has a soft touch around the rim and uses his length to be an effective rim protector.

Another reason why he's an intriguing option is his price tag. This season, he's getting $2.9 million and for the 2025-26 season, he will get $4.8 million.

While the Celtics could offer their 2025 or 2031 first-round picks in exchange for Kessler, that could be a bit pricey for a player who can't space the floor. He likely wouldn't close out games either with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford in the rotation.

This is a situation to keep a close eye on going forward.

More Celtics news and rumors:

feed

Home/Boston Celtics