After virtually gutting their roster over the summer time, the Boston Celtics ought to be holding their eyes open for front-court upgrades. As they ramp up for the beginning of the 2025-26 season, they may possible begin the yr evaluating what they’ve at heart.
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. Nonetheless, they traded Kristaps Porzingis, exasperating their greatest flaw.
Fortunately for them, they could have been gifted the right commerce goal. Utah Jazz heart Walker Kessler is not anticipated to achieve an settlement on an extension that may hold him from hitting restricted free company subsequent summer time.
Walker Kessler on doubtlessly not getting an extension: “I am undoubtedly a bit of annoyed … so long as I’ve a Utah Jazz jersey on I’ll play profitable basketball.”
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) September 29, 2025
That signifies that he might be obtainable forward of the commerce deadline for any groups in search of a younger, gifted large man. Because of this, the Celtics ought to be very fascinated by Kessler.
The Boston Celtics should commerce for Walker Kessler this season
The Celtics’ present heart rotation is among the many worst within the NBA, and Kessler can be a direct improve over all three gamers. He’s barely 24 years previous—younger for a middle contemplating many play deep into their 30s. Kessler can also be among the best 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 a lot of the offensive load. Which means Kessler might thrive with the Celtics, doing what he does greatest.
Boston in all probability does not have championship aspirations this season, however their gap at heart can be an issue that carries into subsequent season if not resolved. There’s additionally an underrated motive 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 fascinated by Kessler for some time.
Walker Kessler might be nicely definitely worth the potential value for the Celtics
It may cost the Celtics at the very least a first-round decide and matching wage, however that would nicely be price it if Kessler is a legit starting-caliber heart on a championship-caliber group.
Final season—his first full season as a starter—he averaged a powerful 11.1 factors, 12.2 rebounds, together with a league-leading 4.6 offensive rebounds, and a couple of.4 blocks per sport. These aren’t essentially all-star numbers.
Nonetheless, they trace that he might be a extremely productive large man that excels on the glass, is succesful sufficient as a scorer, and is terrific at swatting photographs. If he will be that participant for Boston when they’re at full power, then Kessler ought to be on the high of the Celtics’ potential commerce targets through the season.
All in all, the Celtics will nearly definitely want an improve at heart this season. If the worth is correct, they need to goal Jazz heart Walker Kessler, doubtlessly giving them a giant improve in each the quick and long run.
