NBA Rumors: Utah Jazz Make Two Players Untouchable

The latest word out of Utah is that two players that the Jazz are making untouchable in trade talks are Laurie Markkanen and Walker Kessler. 

There is a rising belief leaguewide that Utah is open to listening to trade pitches for anyone on the roster not named Lauri Markkanen or Walker Kessler.

                                                                    —NBA Insider Marc Stein

Both Markkanen and Kessler, of course, were part of the massive haul that Jazz CEO Danny Ainge extracted for Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. 

Jazz are paying Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler a combined $20 million for the next 2.5 seasons — that's such a team-building luxury

— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) January 19, 2023

Per Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, Markkanen and Kessler combined will make about $20M each of the next two seasons after this one (about $16.5-17M for 'The Finnisher' and $2.8M+ for the 2022 first-rounder Kessler. 

Markkanen is a serious Most Improved Player candidate, averaging 24.8 points per game with 8.7 rebounds while shooting 42.7% from long range. The 7'1" rookie Kessler is averaging 2.0 blocks per game while adding 7.5 points and 7.2 rebounds. He's a keeper. 

There are still plenty of names on the Jazz that shoppers can make offers on, however, as we approach the trade deadline including a veteran point guard and two forwards. 

Photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports