Los Angeles Lakers acquire Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade with Utah Jazz
Jul 1, 2026, 9:44 AM | Updated: Jul 2, 2026, 12:01 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 22: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of their game at the Delta Center on October 22, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is headed to his next team, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
The deal will be a sign-and-trade that sees two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, headed back to the Jazz.
Well, there it is. https://t.co/RyHDu527ci
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) July 1, 2026
Charania reports that Kessler’s deal with the Los Angeles Lakers sits at four years and $130 million. The deal includes a player option in year four and a full trade kicker.
Walker Kessler joins new-look Lakers team
The first domino to fall in the City of Angels came on Tuesday when it was announced that LeBron James would take his talents elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.
That opened up the Lakers’ books significantly. Within a span of 30 minutes, Charania reported four free agency signings all headed to LA.
First was Walker Kessler, undoubtedly the biggest move both in contract size and importance to the franchise. Following Kessler were Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.
Out: LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard
In: Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton
Lakers have spent $446 million in contracts for these four additions and Austin Reaves’ extension.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 1, 2026
Los Angeles now enters the post-LeBron era with a new-look roster built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
What’s next for the Utah Jazz?
After losing their starting center and what most assumed to be a key piece of the Jazz’s future, the question of what comes next is at the forefront for Utah.
The free agency center market has almost completely run dry, which may push the Jazz into the trade market for the franchise’s next big man.
Ten of the top 11 free agent centers are off the market.
If Utah plans to address the position this offseason, it would likely be via trade. pic.twitter.com/ZowyP77NEL
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) July 1, 2026
That is, of course, if they plan to address the position immediately.
Although not ideal, there are at least three players on the Jazz roster that can patch the hole at the five. Those three being Jusuf Nurkic, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Kyle Filipowski. Jackson Jr. and Filipowski are typically power forwards, but both can slide down to play spot minutes.
The ball is now in Utah’s court to make that decision.
Series of events between Kessler, Jazz
Kessler’s contract situation has been an ongoing process for over a year now.
At media day before the 2025-26 season, Kessler was open and straightforward about his thoughts on not getting an extension after his third year.
I don’t want to talk about it after today. During the season, I don’t want it to be a dsitracter for me or my teammates. I am definitely a litte frustrated. Regardless, I love Utah, I love the fanbase, I love my teammates, I love my coaches. As long as I have a Utah Jazz jersey on, I will play winning basketball. And I want to.
Surgery for a torn labrum derailed Kessler’s fourth year, but he remained steadfast in his desire to stay with the Jazz.
Things got messy in mid-June when a report came out from ESPN NBA Insider Tim MacMahon that Kessler and his camp turned down a five-year, $137.5 million contract. After seeing the public discourse go off in every direction, Kessler made a statement on his Instagram.
I’ve seen what’s being said, and I want it to be clear that I have always wanted to be here — I love this city, these fans, my teammates, my coaches — that’s real to me. You don’t grow roots where you don’t want to be.
Still, the Jazz and Kessler couldn’t come to an agreement before free agency officially opened on June 30.
Kessler made the trip to Los Angeles. Within hours of free agency opening, it was reported that Kessler had met with multiple teams and already had sheets on the table that would net him more annually than Utah’s first offer.
