Watching the Jalen Duren saga unfold has been a nightmare for the Detroit Pistons and their fans. At some point, you have to think the restricted free agent center just does not want to be in Motown anymore. The Utah Jazz should count their lucky stars they did not have to go through something very similar with Walker Kessler. They have the Los Angeles Lakers to thank for that.
Marc Stein reported in his recent rumor mill round-up that Kessler's camp sold the Jazz on his determination to get out of town. The now Lakers center was reportedly ready to take the qualifying offer and leave next summer. Los Angeles managed to get everyone what they wanted one year earlier.
The Lakers needed to get Luka Doncic his A-list center. They flirted with both Duren and Kessler. With both restricted free agents wanting out of their current situation to varying degrees, Rob Pelinka had a lifeline to throw at one of the two opposing franchise. He chose the Jazz.
Pelinka felt emboldened to go make the move after being armed with extra trade capital following the bargain of the century that landed Doncic in Los Angeles. Speaking of the Slovenian superstar, Stein added that Kessler was Luka's top choice of free agent targets. Rob made the move.
Walker Kessler's desire to leave Utah could have made things ugly without Los Angeles calling
The Kessler situation quickly became a win-win for the Jazz and Lakers.
Utah got a sign-and-trade package that was good enough for many to criticize Los Angeles in terms of the assets they gave up. That is a good sign of a healthy return.
The Lakers, meanwhile, got a center that fit perfectly with their star duo. That should be worth its weight in gold over the next few years as Doncic and company try to elevate themselves to that of title contenders. Pushing for Kessler was a healthy risk for the franchise.
Duren and the Pistons, who got left behind here, have been stuck in a staring contest for the entire summer. Detroit has repeatedly upped their offer to no end. Their All-NBA center and his camp has turned down every opportunity to rejoin the team.
Things could end here in the exact situation that Kessler's camp threatened the Jazz with: accepting the qualify offer with the intent to leave one year later.
Instead, both Los Angeles and Utah can be satisfied about where they ended up. The Jazz reluctantly had to give up their promising young center. However, the Lakers made it worth both side's time.
