Unsurprisingly, the Boston Celtics didn’t make any game-changing moves during the 2024-25 trade season.
The defending NBA champions possess a roster capable of winning another title under head coach Joe Mazzulla.
The Celtics have won 39 of their first 55 contests and are only 5.5 games back in the race for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, it would be in the organization’s best interest to consider replacing aging NBA champion big man Al Horford in free agency with a young Utah Jazz superstar center.
Walker Kessler isn’t a part of a contending franchise, but he’s played high-level basketball since joining the Jazz in 2022. The evolving 7-foot frontcourt beast has a captivating two-way skill set that could soon intrigue the Celtics.
Whether Kessler is utilizing his immaculate footwork to finish over low post defenders, making himself available in pick-and-roll situations, or emphatically meeting opponents at the rim while serving as a frightening paint protector, the Auburn product remains active on both ends.
The third-year contributor averages 11.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 71.8% from the field.
Although Kessler still has room for growth, it isn’t ludicrous to suggest the double-double machine’s current trajectory could earn him multiple All-Star nods in the foreseeable future.
If the Celtics discover they’re interested in acquiring Kessler in the offseason, they could send Horford and multiple first-round picks to the Jazz to complete a blockbuster trade for the promising big man.
Time will tell if Boston wants to get younger in the frontcourt and make a splash during free agency.
