Shams: Lakers acquire Walker Kessler in trade

While he appeared in just 41 games last season, Nurkić fit well within Jazz head coach Will Hardy’s system when available. The veteran center averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 50.3 percent from the field. How impactful he’ll be next season depends on what happens with Walker Kessler, who is a restricted free agent. If Kessler returns, Nurkić will come off the bench, which lowers his fantasy ceiling.

Two days after The Athletic reported that Kessler was frustrated with the Jazz front office as free agency approaches, more details emerged regarding the contract offered by Utah. According to MacMahon, Utah proposed an offer worth close to $140 million over five years. However, while this would be the most lucrative contract ever given to a center who had yet to make an All-Star team, there are still hard feelings between Kessler and the Jazz front office. In Monday’s report, Kessler not receiving an extension before the start of the 2025-26 season was cited as a factor, and it’s another issue the two sides will need to work through if they want to move forward as partners.

Kessler, limited to five games this season after suffering a shoulder injury, will be a restricted free agent on June 30. While the Jazz can match any offer sheet that Kessler agrees to, they can also negotiate with the center before he hits the open market. However, according to Amick’s reporting, Kessler is not pleased with the franchise essentially leveraging his pending restricted free agency against the 7-footer. As a result, he’s reportedly more willing to consider the idea of playing elsewhere. Given the need for rim protectors, there will be a market for Kessler at the end of the month. After not offering him an extension last fall, the Jazz seem content to see what Kessler’s price will be before deciding on his future with the franchise, especially with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. on large contracts. Wherever he plays next season, a healthy Kessler has top-50 fantasy potential, especially for those willing to punt free-throw percentage.

The veteran center will return from a one-game absence to face the Knicks on Friday. He’s served as Utah’s starting center since Walker Kessler (shoulder) was lost for the season. Nurkić isn’t a high-end fantasy option but has double-double capabilities on a nightly basis. His return could send Kyle Filipowski back to the bench.

Nurkić flirted with a double-double for the second straight game against the Rockets. On the second night of a back-to-back, he was productive inside the arc as a scorer and set a new season-high in points before fouling out of the contest. Nurkic has filled in the starting unit nicely in place of the injured Walker Kessler (shoulder). He’s got double-double potential on a nightly basis in this new role.

After not appearing in Utah’s first five games, Love has hit double figures in minutes in each of his last three appearances. He was productive against the Bulls, hitting double figures and finishing two rebounds shy of a double-double. Love is not in a position where he needs to be considered for any fantasy roster, even after Walker Kessler was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Managers needing production are better off gambling on Jusuf Nurkić, who tallied four points, 14 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one blocked shot in 38 minutes.

Kessler is set to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. This is a massive blow for the Jazz, who have started the season out better than expected, but it’s also unfortunate for Kessler since he didn’t get an extension this summer. Jusuf Nurkic has been starting in place of Kessler, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they turned to Kyle Filipowski as a long-term replacement, assuming they don’t explore the trade market.

Nurkić remained in the starting lineup in place of Walker Kessler (shoulder) for a second straight game, and Kessler is set to miss at least two more games. Nurk’s first start was disappointing, but a double-double in 31minutes is intriguing. With two more starts this week, Nurkić is worth considering as a streaming option, and he is currently available in roughly 90 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Kessler, who missed time during the preseason with left shoulder bursitis, experienced a flare-up and was already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Hornets. With the Jazz sending him back to Salt Lake City for further testing, the 7-footer will miss at least three more games. Utah’s road trip ends in Minnesota on Friday. Jusuf Nurkić will start Sunday’s game against the Hornets and will likely retain that role for the remaining three games of the road trip.

Kessler is once again dealing with left shoulder bursitis, which sidelined him for a portion of the preseason. Jusuf Nurkić is a prime candidate to replace him in the starting lineup, but the veteran center’s streaming value will be limited with Lauri Markkanen on the court.