As the 2025-26 NBA regular season nears, one team that is looking to bounce back after struggling last season is the Utah Jazz.
Of course, the Jazz finished with the worst record in the NBA last season and they are expected to be near the bottom of the standings once again this season as they continue to be stuck in a rebuild.
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Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Despite this, Utah has built a solid young core lead by Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Keyonte George, and they also added Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. to the mix this offseason after selecting them in the first round of the 2025 draft.
With this core, the Jazz are looking to shake off their struggles from last season as they try to take a step in the right direction this season.
Warriors Could Target Walker Kessler
While that may be the case, Utah could look to make moves ahead of the trade deadline for add more young talent and draft capital to their roster and one player who could be on the move is Kessler.
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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33)Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Of course, there are many teams around the NBA that are in need of center depth and could target Kessler this season, including the Golden State Warriors.
For the Warriors, they are expected to sign Al Horford in free agency once Jonathan Kuminga’s situation is resolved but they are still in need of center depth, which could see them target the Jazz’s young big man.
Mock Trade Swaps Walker Kessler for Buddy Hield
In a potential trade, the Jazz could send Kessler to the Warriors in exchange for Buddy Hield and draft capital.
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Utah Jazz center Walker KesslerRob Gray-Imagn Images
While moving Kessler would be a tough decision to make for Utah as he has been one of their lone bright spots over the past few seasons, swapping him for Hield and more draft capital could work out in their favor.
For Hield, he is an elite 3-point shooter and also a veteran leader, which is something the Jazz need on their roster.
Golden State Warriors guard Buddy HieldTroy Taormina-Imagn Images
Last season, the 32-year-old guard averaged 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 41.7% from the field and 37.0% from three.
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Of course, the Jazz could elect to keep Hield or they could send him to another team to add another young player and possibly more draft capital.
While this trade could work out well for Utah, Golden State may be unwilling to move Hield this season, though adding Kessler to their roster would be a major upgrade for their frontcourt.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.