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Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler in Sign-And-Trade With Utah
The Los Angeles Lakers have sent multiple draft picks to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal for center Walker Kessler, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Lakers are subsequently giving the 24-year-old a four-year, $130 million contract with a fourth-season player option. Los Angeles was linked to multiple centers this offseason as they searched for a rim-runner to pair with Luka Doncic. Kessler's 2025-26 season was cut short after just five games, but he continued his run of averaging a double-double that dated back to the 2024-25 season. During that campaign, he led the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game. Kessler has also averaged 2.4 blocks per game across his four seasons. In return, the Jazz are receiving unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Walker Kessler Draws Multiple Offers in Restricted Free Agency
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has met with multiple teams and holds several offers in the mid-to-high $30 million range annually, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic. Utah issued Kessler a qualifying offer, so the Jazz can still match any offer sheet. The 24-year-old was limited to five games last season after left shoulder surgery, but he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 70.3% from the field. If healthy, Kessler remains a strong fantasy target for blocks, boards, and elite efficiency wherever he lands.
Source: Tony Jones
Source: Tony Jones
Jusuf Nurkic Plans to Remain in Utah
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, free agent center Jusuf Nurkic intends to sign a two-year, $22 million contract to return to the Utah Jazz. Nurkic became a full-time starter last season after Walker Kessler (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn left labrum. The 31-year-old averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.4 minutes per contest in 41 regular-season appearances (36 starts). He missed the final two months of the season after undergoing nose surgery in mid-February, but he should be ready to go by training camp.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Darryn Peterson Headed to Jazz at No. 2 Overall in NBA Draft
The Utah Jazz are taking Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old gives Utah a high-end shot creator after averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 29.0 minutes while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 38.2 percent from deep, and 82.6 percent at the line. Peterson's fantasy appeal will depend on how quickly the Jazz hand him lead-guard reps, because Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier are already part of the backcourt. His shooting should help him play next to both, while Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a proven scorer who can keep early defensive attention away from the rookie.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Darryn Peterson Meets With Jazz
The Utah Jazz reportedly met with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson over the weekend, according to Jake Fischer. It sounds like everything went well, but Peterson declined to answer whether it was in-person or not. The assumption is that the Jazz plan on taking Peterson with the second overall selection during Tuesday's NBA Draft. This past season, Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 29.1 minutes in 24 contests this past season. The expectation is that the Washington Wizards will select BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick. They could potentially draft Peterson, which could likely mean the Jazz would select Dybantsa. At the moment, the consensus is that Peterson will go second overall to the Jazz.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Jazz Have Interest in Re-Signing Jusuf Nurkic
The Utah Jazz have interest in re-signing center Jusuf Nurkic, who is headed for unrestricted free agency, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. The 31-year-old averaged a double-double last season, posting 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 41 games. Those numbers come with a major fantasy asterisk: Nurkic posted them as a fill-in starter while Walker Kessler was sidelined, before nose surgery ended his season. With Utah's frontcourt potentially healthier and crowded next season, a returning Nurkic projects more as a backup five whose minutes and production would be difficult to repeat. He remains a useful veteran, but his per-game line is unlikely to carry over in a reserve role, leaving him off fantasy radars unless injuries reopen minutes.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Kevin Love Could Join the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in a reunion between LeBron James and Kevin Love this summer. According to Marc J. Spears, the Lakers would like to bring back one of James' old teammates from Cleveland. The duo played together on the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2018. The 37-year-old isn't quite the same player as he was during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves or Cavs. Love could be a good veteran presence and someone who could contribute off the bench. The assumption is that he'd join the Lakers on a veteran minimum for an opportunity to get a ring with his old teammate.
Source: Marc J. Spears
Source: Marc J. Spears
Jazz Torn Between Three Draft Prospects
The Utah Jazz are genuinely torn over their No. 2 pick in next week's NBA Draft, weighing BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, The Athletic's Tony Jones reports. Utah hosted Dybantsa and Boozer for private workouts, while Peterson declined a visit amid confidence he could land at No. 1 with Washington. The Jazz are not expected to be deterred, having drafted Ace Bailey last year after a similarly unusual pre-draft process. For dynasty managers, the fit shapes the payoff. Peterson, an electric scorer, projects as the cleanest positional match and quickest fantasy contributor if he slides to Utah, while Boozer's outlook is cloudier behind a crowded Jazz frontcourt. Dybantsa, who averaged a nation-leading 25.5 points at BYU, remains widely projected as the likeliest No. 1 pick, so Utah's choice may not be settled until Washington is on the clock.
Source: Tony Jones
Source: Tony Jones
Walker Kessler Displeased with Jazz Front Office
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is displeased with the front office's handling of his pending restricted free agency, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The 24-year-old was positioned for a meaningful contract year before left shoulder surgery ended his season after only five starts. Kessler still averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 30.8 minutes, reminding fantasy managers why his category profile remains so valuable. Restricted free agency usually gives the Jazz control, but a tense process could add short-term uncertainty to one of the league's better rebound-and-block anchors.
Source: Sam Amick
Source: Sam Amick
Kyle Filipowski Good to Go Tuesday
Utah Jazz forward/center Kyle Filipowski (back) is available for Tuesday's game against New Orleans after initially being listed as questionable, keeping him locked into a featured late-season role. The second-year big man has averaged 21.6 points, 1.8 three-pointers, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 30.4 minutes over his last five games, giving him strong category juice in points and rebounds with some playmaking. With Ace Bailey (knee) and Elijah Harkless (hamstring) sidelined, Filipowski should continue seeing elevated usage alongside Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams. He looks like a strong hold, with Oscar Tshiebwe remaining off the standard-league radar.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ace Bailey Ruled Out Against Pelicans
Utah Jazz guard/forward Ace Bailey (knee) is out for Tuesday's game against New Orleans due to a right knee contusion, opening more usage for Utah's young wings late in the season. Bailey logged 14 points, two three-pointers, four rebounds, and two blocks in 33 minutes Sunday, but his absence should push more offensive work toward Brice Sensabaugh, who erupted for 34 points with six three-pointers and five assists last game. Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski should also see stable minutes. Sensabaugh looks like the best short-term pickup, while John Konchar is more of a deep league steals streamer.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Isaiah Collier Out Again Sunday
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (hamstring) will not play Sunday against Oklahoma City, marking his 10th consecutive absence. With Keyonte George (hamstring) and Elijah Harkless (hamstring) also out, Utah should continue leaning on Kennedy Chandler and Cody Williams for expanded roles. Williams is coming off a 27-point, 11-rebound, four-assist performance in 38 minutes and looks like the most appealing fantasy option from this group. Chandler and Bez Mbeng offer limited upside as deep-league assist streamers, though both carry risk due to inconsistent offensive production while the Jazz remain short-handed in the backcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Isaiah Collier Remains Out Friday
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against the Rockets, extending his absence to nine straight games. His continued absence should keep Bez Mbeng involved after he logged seven points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in 23 minutes last game. Kennedy Chandler could also maintain a sizable role after finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 33 minutes. Chandler looks like the more reliable deep-league streamer, while Mbeng is a deeper-league gamble.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Elijah Harkless Out Vs. Cleveland
Utah Jazz guard Elijah Harkless (hamstring) will not play Monday against Cleveland due to hamstring soreness, thinning an already depleted backcourt. With Isaiah Collier (hamstring) and Keyonte George (hamstring) also sidelined, Kennedy Chandler could see more ballhandling duties after posting 11 points, three rebounds, and eight assists in 24 minutes last game. Bez Mbeng may also pick up extra run after contributing five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 17 minutes. Chandler is worth a look for managers needing assists in deeper leagues, while Mbeng is more of a wait-and-see option unless minutes climb.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier Still Out Monday
Utah Jazz guards Keyonte George (hamstring) and Isaiah Collier (hamstring) will remain out on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both players are nursing hamstring injuries and haven't been part of the lineup for a couple of weeks. George will miss his 10th consecutive game, and Collier won't be available for a seventh straight contest. Kennedy Chandler, Elijah Harkless, and Bez Mbeng will continue to see extra action on Monday. Out of the three players, Chandler has provided the most consistent fantasy production, averaging 14.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals over the past five games.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
