{"id":802853,"date":"2026-08-03T17:15:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T17:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/802853\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T17:15:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T17:15:14","slug":"who-should-the-jazz-target-to-replace-walker-kessler-the-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/802853\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Should the Jazz Target to Replace Walker Kessler? \u2013 The Lead"},"content":{"rendered":"

Walker Kessler<\/a>\u2019s departure<\/a> left a gaping hole in the Utah Jazz roster. <\/p>\n

While the center position remains an issue, the Jazz made the right decision to trade Kessler. Besides dodging an expensive contract, Utah received substantial draft compensation.<\/p>\n

However, Kessler provided a much-needed defensive and rebounding presence<\/a> for the team. With Kessler gone, the Jazz must find someone to replace the center\u2019s production.<\/p>\n

Jusuf Nurkic<\/a> Is a Temporary Solution, Not a Long-Term Answer<\/p>\n

Right now, the Jazz have veteran big man Jusuf Nurkic holding down the fort. Nurkic had a resurgence last year, helping him become an important<\/a> presence for the team. He averaged<\/a> the most assists in his career (4.8 a game). Nurkic became so good at distributing the ball that coach Will Hardy ran the offense through<\/a> him at times during the season.<\/p>\n

He also posted 10.4 rebounds per game, his third-best season average. As long as the center\u2019s age doesn\u2019t catch up to him, Nurkic can continue as a temporary solution for the Jazz\u2019s center-depth issues. However, Utah needs more than a temporary solution to win an NBA Title.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sabonis Brings Rebounding but His Contract and Defense Are Concerns<\/p>\n

Domantas Sabonis<\/a> built his career on being a great rebounder and scorer. <\/p>\n

For three<\/a> seasons<\/a> straight<\/a> (2022-2025), Sabonis led the NBA in rebounds per game.\u00a0The Jazz need rebounds, especially with the team being ranked 16th<\/a>, right near the middle of the standings. Besides rebounding, Sabonis would help unlock the Jazz\u2019s ability to play small ball.<\/p>\n

Averaging 16.1 points and a 34.2% three-point percentage throughout his career<\/a>, Sabonis would add to an already offensively stacked Utah team. That said, the center wouldn\u2019t fix the Jazz\u2019s defensive issues.\u00a0From 2022<\/a>\u20132025<\/a>, Sabonis averaged an over 110 defensive rating, meaning when he\u2019s on the floor, the opposing team could score over 110 points against him. <\/p>\n

Another strike against Sabonis is his contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The center will receive $45.5 million this season, and in the last year of his deal, Sabonis will command $48.6 million. With such an expensive deal and his lack of defense, Sabonis ranks last in the list of center candidates for the Jazz.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Hansen\u2019s Age and Cheap Contract Fit Utah\u2019s Timeline<\/p>\n

When the Portland Trail Blazers traded up for Yang Hansen<\/a>, pundits and fans alike had big expectations for the center. Those expectations diminished when Hansen struggled<\/a> throughout the season. However, he showed promise<\/a> in this year\u2019s Las Vegas Summer League.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Averaging 13 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks throughout the tournament, Hansen proved he can compete in the league. What makes him such an interesting candidate for the Jazz is his age and contract. The center is only 21 years old, which fits Utah\u2019s timeline and young core. His cheap contract adds to his value.<\/p>\n

The highest Hansen will get paid<\/a> on his current four-year deal is $7.5 million (which will hit in his last year). With such an unforgiving salary cap, the Jazz could use good talent on the cheap. If traded for, Hansen could back up Nurkic and learn from the veteran.<\/p>\n

However, are the Trail Blazers willing to part<\/a> with Hansen? Sandwiched in between Donovan Clingan<\/a> and Robert Williams<\/a> III in a crowded center room, Hansen might not get any playing time. But Portland did trade up<\/a> for him, which means they won\u2019t give up on him too soon.<\/p>\n

Carter Jr. Could Become Available if Orlando\u2019s Logjam Continues<\/p>\n

Wendell Carter Jr.<\/a> sits in a similar situation<\/a> to Hansen. <\/p>\n

The Orlando Magic\u2019s center sits in a crowded room with Nikola Vucevic<\/a> and Goga Bitadze<\/a>. Since Vucevic\u2019s departure<\/a> from the Magic in 2021, Carter Jr. solidified himself as the team\u2019s bona fide starter.<\/p>\n

Now that Vucevic returned<\/a> to Orlando, the center has some competition. If Vucevic wins back the starting job, Carter Jr. could become unhappy. The Magic also just let go<\/a> of their head coach Jamahl Mosley, causing more chaos. If the Magic aren\u2019t able to reach their potential this season, they may look to trade some players off.<\/p>\n

The Jazz front office can bide their time until the trade deadline to acquire Carter Jr., if the Magic are interested in trading him. Besides a moderate contract,<\/a> Carter Jr. brings grit and scoring to a team.\u00a0He averaged 11.8 points, 0.6 blocks, two assists, and 7.4 rebounds this last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Carter Jr. ranked third<\/a> in defensive rating for the team with a rating of 114. If he were on the Jazz roster last year, he would\u2019ve been ranked<\/a> the best.<\/p>\n

“Just doing what I do\u2026 those are the little things I do for this team!” \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f<\/p>\n

Wendell Carter Jr. postgame on coming through in the clutch last night for the Magic! pic.twitter.com\/6c0W1iQS9J<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jarrett Allen<\/a> Is the Best Fit for the Jazz<\/p>\n

Just barely linked<\/a> to the Jazz via trade rumor, Jarrett Allen is the best fit for Utah. Though he\u2019ll make $32.5<\/a> million by the end of his three-year contract, his salary is less than what Kessler wanted<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Besides being cheaper than Sabonis and Kessler, Allen\u2019s on-court consistency makes him a great trade candidate. He averaged<\/a> more points (15.4) than Carter Jr. last year and is by far the best defender<\/a> of the candidates listed. With nine seasons under his belt, he could provide a needed veteran presence in the locker room. Out of all the trade candidates, Allen has the highest chance of being traded.<\/p>\n

With so many expensive contracts<\/a> on their roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to find someone to offload. They are dedicated<\/a> to keeping<\/a> Donovan Mitchell<\/a>, James Harden<\/a>, and Evan Mobley<\/a>. That leaves Allen as the odd man out.<\/p>\n

The Jazz have plenty of young, cheap players to throw into a deal, and perhaps other teams could chip in as well. Utah needs a solution at center, and the Cavs need cap space.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The Jazz May Need to Be Patient to Find Their Franchise Center<\/p>\n

As of right now, the Jazz front office seems fine to let Nurkic keep the starting job. However, if Utah wants to make a deep playoff run soon, they\u2019ll have to find a franchise center.\u00a0For now, Jazz Nation should wait patiently\u2013sometimes the best deals come to those who wait.<\/p>\n