Should The Boston Celtics Trade For Walker Kessler?

At 21–12 and firmly holding down third place in the Eastern Conference standings, the Boston Celtics are clearly exceeding expectations this year. Without Jayson Tatum for what is expected to be the entire season, the team basically went on a fire sale during the offseason. Allowing players like Al Horford and Luke Kornet to leave as free agents while trading both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics moved on from a championship-contending roster. 

While few outside of Boston believe that the Celtics are true contenders to represent the Eastern Conference next June, the thought is that the team will revamp for the 2026–27 season. To do so, they need a man in the middle. Yes, Neemias Queta has been surprisingly solid this season, averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, but the question is, can "solid" bring a championship? As a long-term option, the answer is likely no. 

Enter Walker Kessler, the Jazz's 23-year-old defensive monster who'll be a restricted free agent this summer. While Queta has exceeded expectations, Kessler represents an upgrade in almost every meaningful category. He's a more proven rim protector, a more consistent rebounder, and frankly, a safer bet when the playoffs roll around. 

Here's where it gets interesting: Boston could actually make a compelling trade package. Imagine offering Utah a deal centered around Anfernee Simons, Queta, and a couple of second-round draft picks. For a rebuilding Jazz team, that's a decent return: a young, legitimate shooter who can fit alongside Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, a serviceable young big man who's already shown he can contribute, and draft capital to continue building. It's the kind of young talent infusion Utah is targeting right now. And the worst-case scenario is that they let Simons go as a free agent, opening up at least $27 million in cap space. 

And here's the incentive for Boston: Simons is already seeing diminished minutes off the bench, averaging nearly eight fewer points than he did in Portland. When Tatum returns healthy next season, those touches will shrink even further. Why pay starter money for a third or fourth option when you could have an elite defensive center instead?

Kessler gives Boston exactly what they need without demanding offensive touches while still contributing double digits in points. He'll grab at least ten rebounds a night, protect the rim at an elite level, and let Tatum and Jaylen Brown do their thing. That's championship basketball, and if the Celtics are serious about another title, this trade is certainly a win-win for both teams. The main question is, will Utah CEO Danny Ainge be willing to do business with his former team?