After virtually gutting their roster over the summer time, the Boston Celtics ought to be protecting their eyes open for front-court upgrades. As they ramp up for the beginning of the 2025-26 season, they may possible begin the 12 months evaluating what they’ve at middle.
I can save them a while: they do not have a lot with Chris Boucher, Luke Garza, and Neemias Queta. A few of that is not on them, with Al Horford and Luke Kornet each leaving in free company. Nevertheless, they traded Kristaps Porzingis, exasperating their largest flaw.
Fortunately for them, they could have been gifted the right commerce goal. Utah Jazz middle Walker Kessler is not anticipated to achieve an settlement on an extension that may maintain him from hitting restricted free company subsequent summer time.
Walker Kessler on doubtlessly not getting an extension: “I am undoubtedly a little bit pissed off … so long as I’ve a Utah Jazz jersey on I’ll play profitable basketball.”
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) September 29, 2025
That implies that he might be accessible forward of the commerce deadline for any groups searching for a younger, gifted huge man. Because of this, the Celtics ought to be very all in favour of Kessler.
The Boston Celtics should commerce for Walker Kessler this season
The Celtics’ present middle rotation is among the many worst within the NBA, and Kessler can be a right away improve over all three gamers. He’s barely 24 years outdated—younger for a middle contemplating many play deep into their 30s. Kessler can also be the most effective rebounders and rim protectors within the NBA.
Whereas he’s comparatively restricted offensively, as soon as Jayson Tatum is wholesome, he, alongside Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, will shoulder many of the offensive load. Meaning Kessler might thrive with the Celtics, doing what he does finest.
Boston most likely would not have championship aspirations this season, however their gap at middle might be an issue that carries into subsequent season if not resolved. There’s additionally an underrated purpose why the Celtics ought to goal Kessler: Jazz CEO Danny Ainge.
He has ties to Boston as a former participant and govt. Ainge is perhaps extra prepared to assist the Celtics in comparison with the Los Angeles Lakers, who’ve been all in favour of Kessler for some time.
Walker Kessler might be nicely well worth the potential price for the Celtics
It may cost the Celtics a minimum of a first-round decide and matching wage, however that would nicely be value it if Kessler is a legit starting-caliber middle on a championship-caliber staff.
Final season—his first full season as a starter—he averaged a formidable 11.1 factors, 12.2 rebounds, together with a league-leading 4.6 offensive rebounds, and a pair of.4 blocks per sport. These aren’t essentially all-star numbers.
Nonetheless, they trace that he might be a extremely productive huge man that excels on the glass, is succesful sufficient as a scorer, and is terrific at swatting pictures. If he might be that participant for Boston when they’re at full power, then Kessler ought to be on the prime of the Celtics’ potential commerce targets in the course of the season.
All in all, the Celtics will virtually definitely want an improve at middle this season. If the worth is true, they need to goal Jazz middle Walker Kessler, doubtlessly giving them an enormous improve in each the quick and long run.
