The Utah Jazz have traded guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkic, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. This move took place as the Jazz look to adjust their roster after several difficult seasons. Nurkic, a Bosnian center on an expiring contract, comes at a slightly higher salary than Sexton but brings a different skill set to the team.
Over recent years, the Utah Jazz have struggled, prompting CEO Danny Ainge to focus on building a competitive team through both drafting and trades. Despite having valuable assets, their attempts to retreat to the top of the draft order fell short, with the franchise selecting Rutgers star Ace Bailey at No. 5 overall last season. The team faces the challenge of surrounding Bailey and other young talents like Walker Kessler and Isaiah Collier with the right support to improve their performance.
Mixed Reactions from Jazz Fans and Lakers Speculation Grow
The trade surprised many Utah Jazz fans, who questioned why the team would part ways with one of its top scorers in Sexton. His departure removes a key player who had helped develop younger teammates like Isaiah Collier. Conversely, Nurkic’s role as a starting center has been inconsistent, and his recent stint with the Phoenix Suns did not solidify his position as a key contributor.
This unexpected exchange has fueled speculation among basketball enthusiasts, especially Los Angeles Lakers supporters, who see it as a sign of a larger trade involving Walker Kessler. Kessler, a highly regarded young center for the Jazz, has long been linked to the Lakers, and this roster shift suggests he might soon be moved to accommodate Nurkic’s arrival.
Lakers fans have taken to social media to express excitement and anticipation, with numerous posts indicating belief in an impending blockbuster deal. Comments include,
“Walker Kessler you are a Laker”
and
“This trade makes ZERO SENSE for Utah which means there has to be a much-bigger trade coming.”
The level of buzz highlights the current uncertainty over Utah’s long-term plans and the Lakers’ persistent interest in acquiring a defensive presence in the paint.
Just in: The Utah Jazz are trading Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/k5hFMBSlYn— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
Walker Kessler Trade Rumors Raise Hopes for Lakers’ Center Upgrade
Last season, the Lakers sought to acquire Walker Kessler before the February trade deadline, but the Jazz’s asking price was considered too high. However, the decline in trade market value for centers has possibly softened Utah’s stance. Fans and analysts speculate that this new trade involving Nurkic is a prelude to Kessler joining the Lakers.
For Los Angeles, adding Kessler would address a significant need. Following the arrival of Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks, one of his early requests to the Lakers was for a highly athletic center capable of finishing alley-oops. Earlier attempts to trade for another center, Mark Williams, fell through due to health concerns. As a result, the Lakers remain actively searching for a young, impactful big man to support their championship ambitions.
LeBron James’s continued pursuit of a title before retirement has intensified the Lakers’ efforts to improve their roster. With limited draft assets and salary cap flexibility, the team must be strategic in acquiring talent. Securing a player like Kessler would provide the defensive presence and athleticism the Lakers need to compete more effectively in the upcoming season.
Implications for Jazz and Lakers Moving Forward
The Jazz’s decision to trade Sexton for Nurkic and possibly prepare to move Kessler suggests a larger roster overhaul is underway. Utah appears to be focusing on retooling the team’s core but faces challenges in balancing young talent with veteran leadership. Their recent draft pick, Ace Bailey, still requires more support to develop into a franchise cornerstone.
For the Lakers, the pursuit of Walker Kessler represents a crucial step to fortify their frontcourt alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Edwards. With a pressing need for an athletic rim protector, Kessler’s arrival could deliver an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. As the offseason progresses, fans will closely monitor trade developments, hoping the Lakers can finalize a deal that addresses their roster gaps before the next NBA campaign begins.
The unfolding situation reveals tensions and strategic decisions shaping the futures of both franchises, with potentially significant repercussions for their competitiveness in the near term.