Jazz President Explains Why They Traded Walker Kessler To Lakers

Utah Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge explained the decision to send center Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers via a sign-and-trade deal. Ainge stated that while Utah originally planned to retain Kessler, the Lakers' substantial trade package was too strong to pass up for the franchise's long-term championship plans.

In exchange for Kessler, the Jazz acquired two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps. Kessler subsequently signed a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers after reportedly rejecting a five-year, $140 million extension offer from Utah.