The Utah Jazz, owners of a 10-17 record and mired near the bottom of the Western Conference, are trying to stay competitive while protecting their top-eight-protected 2026 first-round pick, which would transfer to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside the protection, according to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal.
Core Pieces Set, Veterans Draw Interest
Utah continues to treat forward Lauri Markkanen and rookie guard Keyonte George as untouchable building blocks. League sources told Afseth that several veterans — Kyle Anderson, Jusuf Nurkic, Kevin Love and Georges Niang — are viewed around the NBA as potential trade candidates. Moving any of those players would not represent a franchise-defining shift, but could help the Jazz manage their short- and long-term goals.
Kessler Extension Talks Stalled
Center Walker Kessler remains part of Utah’s long-range plans, yet early extension discussions broke down when the 22-year-old reportedly sought more than $120 million in total compensation. Unless he secures a similar offer sheet in restricted free agency, the Jazz are not expected to match that figure. The Indiana Pacers are among the teams known to have interest, but Utah continues to signal a desire to keep Kessler.
Hardy Maintains Organizational Backing
Despite the club’s spot in the standings, head coach Will Hardy retains full support from management and ownership, Afseth reported. The Jazz view Hardy as the long-term leader to guide the franchise through its ongoing rebuild, even as the roster and approach may evolve.
The franchise’s next steps are expected to center on balancing immediate competitiveness with the need to preserve that 2026 first-round pick, while monitoring the market for the veterans mentioned above.
Source: Hoops Wire
