Grizzlies: Building a trade to Land Walker Kessler in Memphis

This offseason started with a bang for the Memphis Grizzlies with the news that Zach Edey will miss the first 1-2.5 months due to ankle surgery he needed from last year’s injuries. This news came as a slap in the face to the franchise as the team is already short on centers with Clarke getting a season ending injury last year that could possibly linger to this year. 

To add to the center depth woes, the Grizzlies traded big man Jay Huff to the Pacers in return for draft compensation. Although the deal was more than many thought Memphis could swing for Huff, that is another center gone. 

But it’s okay, Jaren Jackson Jr. can play center and has been tasked many times before with the duty! And then there lies the last slap in the face. Only a mere day after signing his massive deal with the franchise it was announced he was going to need surgery on his foot that could sideline him for up to 2 months. So here we are, with maybe only one competent big come month 1 and maybe 2 of the NBA season, assuming Clarke stays healthy. So what can they do? Well here is a center trade that I have came up with that could work: 

Grizzlies Receive:

Center — Walker Kessler (from Utah)

Jazz Recieve:

Center — Brandon Clarke (from Memphis)

2028 first round pick (top 3 protected) (from Memphis)

2026 second round pick (from Memphis)

From Memphis’s perspective this makes a lot of sense. With the JJJ and Edey injuries I mentioned before, this trade makes more sense. I know I said before I revealed the trade the Grizz need to load up on healthy center depth, but Utah needs a big in return. Additionally, Kessler is more of a traditional center and more closely mirrors Edey's game. On top of that, he is way less injury prone than Clarke, who is consistently missing action. Kessler provides a more steady force in the center slot and hopefully more production. When Edey and JJJ returns Memphis can be unstoppable with Edey coming off the bench and JJJ staying at the 4 where he is at his best.

From Utah’s perspective, Brandon Clarke offers a healthier, proven 3-and-D big who can step into a starting role seamlessly. Clarke averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 rebounds before suffering a season-ending PCL sprain. Once healthy, he bolsters Utah’s frontcourt immediately and gives them continuity. Utah also offloads the future cap commitment tied to Kessler and gains valuable draft capital—Memphis’ 2026 first-rounder plus a second-rounder—which fits their longer timeline.

In short, the trade addresses both teams’ pressing needs: Memphis acquires a young paint rim protector to help plug a season-opening hole, while Utah secures a versatile veteran big and future asset. The alignment of injuries, roster fit, and timeline makes this a logical and mutually beneficial deal.