The Indiana Pacers lost longtime center Myles Turner in free agency after he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers are reportedly looking for a permanent solution at center in the form of an injured big man.
According to Ben Anderson of KSL, the 2025 NBA Finals runners-up are interested in Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. They have inquired about the availability of the young center before the season and even after he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
“I’ve heard the Indiana Pacers have inquired about Walker Kessler for a long time …. a lot. That’s going back to the summer, they’ve lost Myles Turner… before the injury and even after the injury… This is no one with the Jazz but other people who have similar jobs to me have heard similar things,” Anderson said, via SLC Dunk.
Kessler’s value is likely at its lowest due to his current injury, plus he’s going to be a restricted free agent next summer. The Pacers initially tried to find a solution in-house with backup center Isaiah Jackson, but he has struggled to get his rhythm coming off an Achilles injury.
Jay Huff was acquired this past summer as a stopgap option to replace Turner. He has had some impressive games, though he’s more suited as a backup.
Pacers Struggling This Season
The Indiana Pacers were one win away from their first NBA championship, but the basketball gods were cruel. Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to capitalize and win the title.
To make matters worse, Myles Turner signed with rivals Milwaukee Bucks after 10 seasons in Indiana, as reported by ESPN. With the Eastern Conference wide open, some thought that the Pacers could be competitive, but they were ravaged by injuries early in the season.
It even reached comical levels because of how ridiculous the number of injuries they had to endure was. Nevertheless, they are still fighting and are sitting 14th in the East with a record of 6-18.
Walker Kessler Opens Up About Injury
At just 24 years old, Walker Kessler is a perfect complementary player for Tyrese Haliburton once he returns from his injury. Kessler can attack the rim, catch lobs and even knock down the occasional 3-point shot. He’s also a massive defensive presence, averaging 2.4 blocks per game in his career.
After just five games this season, Kessler suffered a left shoulder injury, which caused him problems in training camp and preseason. He was officially diagnosed with a torn labrum and underwent a season-ending surgery.
Speaking to Holly Rowe on the Front Rowe Podcast, the Auburn product opened up about his injury.
“It was frustrating at first, but I’ve had time to lean on my family and friends and kind of reflect and understand that everything happens for a reason. I’m trying to stay positive, rehab is going great, so I’m taking it day by day,” Kessler said, via Eric Spyropoulos of Jazz.com.
The Jazz are not showing signs that they could be sellers this upcoming trade deadline. However, it’s expected that many NBA teams are going to circle around some of their prized assets like Kessler, Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George.
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