Atlanta Hawks expected to make a push for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler

The Atlanta Hawks have already made some serious moves this offseason, none more significant than when they traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for two first-round picks, Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr.

Despite their blockbuster deal with the Pels, the Hawks aren’t done making a splash. It’s no secret that Atlanta is actively looking to sell Clint Capela’s expiring contract. If they trade Capela, the Hawks will need a replacement.

Ideally, the Hawks could try to draft a center more in line with the timelines of No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and young star Jalen Johnson.

Enter Walker Kessler.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Kessler played high school basketball at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, home of Atlanta’s G League team, the College Park Skyhawks. Kessler finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last season, averaging 2.3 blocks in just 23.0 minutes per game for the Utah Jazz.

In 40 games as a first-time starter, Kessler averaged 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. The Auburn product shot an incredible 72.0 percent from the field.

At 22 and with just two years of NBA experience, Kessler would be a perfect fit for Atlanta’s schedule. The 2.13 m player suffered a bit of a sophomore slump last season due to Utah’s lack of big men. After drafting Kyle Filipowski in June, the Jazz only added to their plethora of young bigs.

Rumors surrounding a trade between the Jazz and Kessler and star forward Lauri Markkanen are rife in the NBA. While Markkanen is Utah’s most valuable player, he and Kessler would likely require significant draft capital in a potential deal.

Kessler’s defensive prowess and offensive potential make him a dream target for the Hawks. With a 30-year-old Capela slowly fading on both ends of the floor, Kessler could come in and give Atlanta a serious boost.

Kessler even made a couple of three-pointers last season. If the young big man can become an outside threat, he would bring a backcourt element to the center position for Atlanta that they never got from Capela. Capela has only attempted five three-pointers in his 10-year career.

With Risacher in the mix, the Hawks have much less need for a player like De’Andre Hunter. Atlanta could put together a package that includes Hunter and Capela to put pressure on Kessler.

In addition to Kessler and Markkanen, several Jazz players have been the subject of trade rumors this offseason. With All-Rookie point guard Keyonte George established as Utah’s future point guard, the Jazz could be willing to move some of their other guards in exchange for a significant return in players and picks.

This Soaring Down South trade scenario would be a real coup for the Hawks if they were willing to part with multiple future picks.

This deal would send first-round picks in 2025 (top 12 protected via SAC) and 2029 as well as second-round picks in 20205 (via MIN), 2027 (via LAC) and 2028 (via HOU) to Utah while giving the Hawks two young talents in Kessler and Collin Sexton, as well as a microwave bench scorer in veteran guard Jordan Clarkson.

Additionally, a rebuilding team like the Jazz would likely appreciate Capela’s expiring contract and the kind of salary space it could generate next summer.

The Jazz also lack true small forwards like Hunter on the wing.

The No. 12 seed has often fielded unorthodox lineups with three guards or three big men on the court at once. The move to Utah would pave the way for George to flourish in his sophomore season alongside a group of teammates with more experience and defensive discipline.

Whether they go all in on a blockbuster deal or try to get Kessler in a simple 1-for-1 trade with picks involved, the Hawks should consider pursuing one of the NBA’s most promising rim protectors.