In the 2025 playoffs, the Indiana Pacers made a magical run to the NBA Finals. They went all the way to Game 7 and lost to the Thunder. During that Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles.
He is effectively out for the entire season. The beginning of the 2025-26 season has been a rough start for the Pacers. Indiana is 6-18 in 2025-26. That is the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. Recently, NBA insider Ben Anderson reported that the Pacers are interested in making a trade. He noted that the Pacers are keeping their eye on Jazz center Walker Kessler.
Will the Jazz successfully trade for Walker Kessler?
The Indiana Pacers have interest in Walker Kessler, per @kslsports pic.twitter.com/Capj25u8QU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 9, 2025
Walker Kessler was the 22nd pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Grizzlies. On draft night, Memphis traded Kessler to the Jazz. That is where the 24-year-old has spent the first four seasons of his professional career. This offseaosn, Utah was unable to reach a contract extension with Kessler. He is playing for $4.9 million in 2025-26, the final year of his rookie deal. With no extension reached, Kessler is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
The big man has only played in five games for the Jazz in 2025-26. Kessler had to have season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Not ideal for the Jazz. In Walker’s absence, Jusuf Nurkic has started at center for Utah. NBA insider Ben Anderson reported Walker Kessler is receiving trade interest despite being out for the year.
The Pacers are reportedly looking to add a long-term center through a trade, with Walker Kessler being the big man the Pacers have been rumored to show interest in. 👀
via @RealGM pic.twitter.com/kweg9TYybd
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 9, 2025
Anderson noted the Pacers “have inquired about Walker Kessler for a long time.” He said this interest goes back to the summer when Indiana lost Myles Turner in free agency to the Bucks. The Pacers have kept an eye on Walker Kesller before and after his injury. Indiana is serious about adding a big man for the future.
In 2025-26, the Pacers have four full-time starters. Center has been a rotating position for Indiana. While the team will not be competing in the East this season, the Pacers are building their roster for the future. Myles Turner left in free agency, and the team has been searching for a starting-caliber center. Walker Kessler could fit that role for the Pacers. Will Indiana complete a trade with Utah to acquire the 24-year-old big man?
