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With the 2025 NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Utah Jazz are at a crucial juncture in their franchise's development. Sporting a disappointing 11-37 record, their playoff aspirations are virtually nonexistent. This leaves the front office to decide whether to continue nurturing their young core or shake up the roster to expedite the rebuild. Right now, the ideal scenario would be to balance growth with ambition: retaining rising star Walker Kessler while orchestrating a bold trade to bring in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Mass Exodus on the Horizon?
Utah is likely to undergo a significant veteran purge as they aim for a top pick in the 2025 draft. Trading John Collins and moving guards like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson appear to be strong possibilities. Sexton, in particular, seems poised to be a key piece in any potential trade package.
Despite the Jazz’s struggles this season, one consistent bright spot has been Sexton’s impressive performances. However, his strong play has inadvertently hindered the team’s tanking efforts. Sexton is currently averaging 18.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. Yet, having a player logging significant minutes and flirting with triple-double averages isn't conducive to securing the coveted #1 draft pick. The downside to Sexton’s game is his size and defensive limitations. This makes him less versatile on that end of the floor. Teams interested in acquiring Sexton will likely be those in need of an off-ball scorer or a high-caliber sixth man to bolster their bench scoring.
Here we will discuss the player who's part of the Utah Jazz's dream scenario for the 2025 NBA trade deadline.
Holding onto Walker Kessler
Sure, shedding veteran contracts is a priority for the Jazz. However, any offer involving Walker Kessler would need to be nothing short of extraordinary. Midway through his third season, the 23-year-old center is leading the NBA in field-goal percentage and is recognized as one of the premier rim protectors in the league. Kessler’s rookie-scale contract is also paying under $3 million this season and $4.9 million in 2025-26. This provides immense value for a player of his caliber. Utah even has the option to extend him this summer if they choose, and they should.
Finding a player who offers such high-level production at a bargain price is a rarity. This is particularly true for one who has already proven himself as a reliable starter with elite defensive skills. Although the Jazz are still in search of a true franchise cornerstone, parting with Kessler for anything less than an undeniable return would be a step backward.
Building the Ideal Trade Package
Let's move on to possibly landing Jonathan Kuminga. The Jazz need to do this without sacrificing Kessler. Doing so lies in Utah's wealth of draft picks and young talent. Since the blockbuster trades of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz have accumulated an impressive stockpile of assets. Now is the time to deploy them strategically.
A trade package featuring Sexton or Clarkson, along with multiple first-round picks, could catch the attention of the Warriors. Golden State is eager to remain competitive around their aging core. The immediate scoring boost from Sexton or the veteran leadership of Clarkson could be appealing. The addition of draft picks offers long-term flexibility for the Warriors as they navigate the post-Curry era. For the Jazz, this trade would be a calculated gamble—trading depth and future picks for a player who could thrive in the right environment.
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Why Kuminga is the Right Fit for Utah
The Warriors have had a tumultuous relationship with Kuminga. Yes, they’ve been hesitant to trade him in the past. However, recent developments suggest a change in stance. Contract extension talks have stalled, too. Kuminga’s playing style doesn’t seamlessly fit with Golden State’s system, particularly alongside Steph Curry.
For the Jazz, adding Kuminga injects athleticism and defensive versatility into their young core. This includes Lauri Markkanen and Isaiah Collier. Complemented by veterans like Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney, Utah’s roster would be well-positioned for growth.
Two additional first-round picks would bolster Utah’s rebuilding efforts. This is particularly true as they look to move players like Sexton and John Collins. They are better suited for contending teams. Securing Kuminga would also mitigate the risk of missing out on a top prospect like Cooper Flagg in the 2025 Draft.
Striking a Balance Between Now and the Future
Sure, acquiring Kuminga represents an exciting prospect. However, it’s crucial for the Jazz to maintain a balanced approach. Overcommitting to a single player could backfire if Kuminga fails to realize his potential or struggles to integrate into Utah’s system. This is why keeping Walker Kessler remains non-negotiable. His defensive dominance and leadership both on and off the court offer the stability Utah needs during this transitional phase.
A Bold Vision
In the unpredictable world of NBA trades, the Jazz have an opportunity to pivot from perennial rebuilders to a team brimming with young, dynamic talent. Holding onto Walker Kessler while adding a high-upside player like Jonathan Kuminga could be the catalyst Utah needs to transform their fortunes. It’s a daring move, but fortune favors the bold—and for the Jazz, this could be the first step in turning their dream scenario into a winning reality.
