Jazz players are already laying the groundwork for a big move this offseason

The ongoing thought process with the Utah Jazz right now is somewhere along the lines of, “Just wait until next year. It’ll be a thing.” Many are really looking forward to Lauri Markkanen Finally playing on a good Jazz team, but players are already looking forward to the possible combination of Jar Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler next season.

KSL’s Ben Anderson reported that Jazz players are already talking about the two speaking together next season, something that isn’t set in stone. This seemingly confirms that they are preparing for the return of Kessler, a restricted free agent, next season.

Anderson didn’t stop there, confirming what had been reported days earlier: the Jazz turned down trade offers for Kessler and the Jazz’s plan is to keep him.

But getting back to JJJ and Kessler, it only takes half a mind to understand why Jazzmen are already talking about this. Utah’s defense has ranged from sub-par to embarrassingly bad over the past three and a half seasons. On paper, Jackson and Kessler are going to flip the switch on that front.

Both are plus defenders and then some, who can make their own impact on the defense in their own unique way. Jackson used to be one of the league’s best shot blockers, but the Jazz won’t ask him to do that with Kessler back. Instead, he mans the perimeter while Kessler holds down the fort as an rim protector.

In fact, if Kessler goes to the bench, Jackson could easily find himself in that role. There is so much fun about what these two can do together. They could be the best defensive duo Utah has had since Mark Eaton and Karl Malone.

it won’t just be them, but the fact that Jazz players are already bringing up what they’re going to do should not only excite fans about what lies ahead, but also make the league fear the inevitable.

Can Kessler use this in negotiations this summer?

While Kessler and Jackson should be quite destructive together, it won’t be official until Kessler and the Jazz can come to an agreement on his new deal. Apparently things won’t be pretty between the two teams this season.

The Jazz center will be at a disadvantage this summer because he is a restricted free agent, but what made matters worse was the fact that his market shrunk significantly after Washington acquired Anthony Davis and Indiana acquired Ivica Zubac.

What Kessler could use to his advantage, though, is that Utah can’t afford to screw this up. The acquisition of JJJ indicated that they are done refueling after this season. The switch will be flipped, and Kessler should be a big part of that equation.

So while the two sides may disagree on what Kessler’s next deal should look like, he knows he’s not easily replaceable and he can use that to play hardball. Fans want to see this duo go to the NBA next year, so while Utah wants him to pay their price, both sides know they can’t let the prospect of this rare duo slip through their fingers with so much at stake.