The Utah Jazz have drawn the attention of the Indiana Pacers, who are reportedly eyeing 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler as a possible frontcourt upgrade. But while the fit makes sense on paper, NBA fans are already bracing for what dealing with Jazz executive Danny Ainge usually means — a negotiation that feels like dental surgery.
KSL Sports reported that Indiana has expressed interest in Kessler, whose size and defensive instincts would give the Pacers a different look next season. Kessler is recovering from a season-ending shoulder injury, but that hasn’t slowed down the chatter around his potential availability. Fans, however, quickly shifted the conversation toward Ainge’s reputation for squeezing every drop out of trade partners.
@ColonelHeadIV joked that any deal is going to start with Indiana’s two crown jewels: “Ainge will ask for Hali and Caitlin Clark in return tho.”
Another fan, @jason23lake, echoed the same energy with a tongue-in-cheek offer: “Ainge says Tyrese and 5 firsts or no deal.”
Not everyone thinks it needs to be complicated. @SleeperJazz tossed out a simpler solution: “All you gotta do is give us your FRP this year… easy.”
The Indiana Pacers have interest in Walker Kessler, per @kslsports pic.twitter.com/Capj25u8QU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 9, 2025
Kessler’s situation shifted just two weeks into the season when he went from Utah’s starting center to being ruled out for the entire campaign. A torn left labrum — an injury that worsened early in the year — forced him to undergo surgery and pause what was supposed to be a promising sophomore step. Whether he resumes that with the Jazz or the Pacers remains the unanswered part.
“That’d be a good fit”: NBA fans weigh in on Kessler-to-Pacers scenario
Even though Kessler won’t touch the floor again this season, fans can already picture how he’d look next to the Pacers’ young core.
@BronJuIio sees the potential lineup clearly and didn’t hesitate: “That’d be a good fit. Tyrese. Nesmith. Siakam. Kess. One of the top rookies in next years draft.”
Defense-minded fans felt the same. @MohammedAli1508 reacted to the report by saying, “Pacers eyeing Kessler? That defense-first agenda is officially loading.”
And @iamnoblefx framed it as a strategic swing: “Pacers are poking around for Walker Kessler—sounds like Indiana’s serious about upgrading the frontcourt. Could be a smart move if they want rim protection and a new defensive anchor. Keep an eye on this trade buzz; it’s heating up.”
Kessler logged only five games before the injury cut his season short, hardly enough time to show how much he’d grown from last year. But if Indiana sees long-term value in him, the question becomes simple: will Ainge actually let him go — and at what price?
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
