NBA Rumors: Jazz’s Walker Kessler, Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart Linked to Possible Trades

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart are both trade candidates this offseason, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who provided a larger update on the market for big men on Friday and dropped this note.

“Rival teams believe Utah is willing to engage in trade talks that would part ways with Jazz second-year center Walker Kessler,” Fischer wrote. “And the Detroit Pistons are evaluating the market for Isaiah Stewart, according to league sources.”

Kessler was impressive during his 2022-23 rookie season, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year vote while averaging 9.2 points on 72.0 percent shooting, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. The All-Rookie team member started 40 of his 74 games and played 23.0 minutes per outing.

Unfortunately, Kessler wasn’t as productive or efficient in his second year, posting 8.1 points on 65.4 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 23.3 MPG. The former Auburn star started 22 of his 64 games. Still, seeing him on the block is a bit peculiar given his rookie year success.

As for the 22-year-old Stewart, dealing him would mark a seismic shift for the Pistons, who signed him to a four-year, $64 million contract extension before the 2023-24 season. However, the team went 14-68 last year and is under new leadership with ex-New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon now running the show, so everything appears on the table.

The 6’8″, 250-pound Stewart also corralled 6.6 rebounds per game and shot 38.3 percent from three.