On Tuesday, the Utah Jazz shockingly acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
In theory, this trade could open up the door for Utah to commit to Jackson and Lauri Markkanen in the frontcourt and move on from Walker Kessler, who is set to hit restricted free agency in the offseason. The Indiana Pacers have been linked to Kessler in the past, and he would be a great fit for the team because of his rebounding and strong paint presence.
However, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones, Utah is still interested in keeping Kessler around for the long haul, even after acquiring Jackson.
"League Sources: Utah’s move for JJJ will not affect the Jazz’ interest in keeping Walker Kessler long term. The Jazz are doing this envisioning JJJ/Lauri/Kessler frontcourt," Jones wrote on X.
League Sources: Utah’s move for JJJ will not affect the Jazz’ interest in keeping Walker Kessler long term. The Jazz are doing this envisioning JJJ/Lauri/Kessler frontcourt
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 3, 2026
With the trade deadline just two days away, Indiana needs to make a decision soon if it's serious about upgrading at center and finding its Myles Turner replacement. Because, as it stands, Kessler joining the squad is looking more and more like a pipedream.
Pacers could trade for center before the deadline
Kessler isn't the only center Indiana has been linked to in its quest to find a new starting center.
So far, the Pacers have reportedly expressed interest in players like Ivica Zubac, Onyeka Okongwu, and Daniel Gafford. All these players might cost a pretty penny for them to acquire, but it's understandable given that trading for a new starting center seems to be near the top of their priority list this season.
Jay Huff, who has started 27 of Indiana's 50 games this season, has been solid. But he is way too inconsistent and doesn't have a high enough ceiling to be the Pacers' long-term starting center. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson has mostly been a disappointment this season, and he's likely a backup in Indiana moving forward at the most.
Upgrading at center would pay dividends for the Pacers. This season hasn't gone exactly as well as they had hoped (even under the circumstances of Turner's departure and Tyrese Haliburton's injury), but they still have a bright future. And given how wide-open the Eastern Conference still is, they will have a good opportunity to re-enter the title picture as soon as next year.
But in order for them to do that, they need a better situation at center. And they need it badly.
Unfortunately for the Pacers, it seems like Kessler isn't a realistic option for them. But with the trade deadline rapidly approaching, they remain a team to keep an eye on in the center market.