NBA Offseason Rumors: Trae Young Trade Speculation, Kessler Frustrated with Jazz

One week before the NBA Draft, trade and free agency rumors are accelerating across the league. Trae Young remains at the center of speculation, with the Washington Wizards reportedly pushing the All-Star point guard to reject his $49 million player option and sign a longer-term extension at a lower annual salary. However, multiple teams are monitoring Young as a potential trade target, including the Miami Heat, who view him as a backup option should they fail to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. Analysts note that the recently changed lottery rules—which reduced the odds of the three worst-record teams landing the No. 1 pick compared to seeds 4-10—have increased the market value for floor-raising players like Young. The key indicator of an imminent trade would be Young accepting his player option by draft day next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is at odds with his franchise over contract negotiations. The 24-year-old restricted free agent is frustrated after the Jazz declined to extend him last summer and is now leveraging restricted free agency restrictions to minimize his market value. Kessler is exploring various options, including negotiating a new deal with Utah, signing an offer sheet with another team starting July 1, pursuing a sign-and-trade arrangement, or accepting the $14.6 million qualifying offer to reach unrestricted free agency next year. Sources indicate Kessler is strongly considering a future outside Utah, though the Jazz are expected to match any outside offers given their control over his rights.

In Denver, the Nuggets are managing salary cap constraints as they prepare for the offseason. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both earning over $50 million next season and restricted free agent Peyton Watson needing to be re-signed, the defending champions are already approaching the second tax apron. The team is prioritizing retaining Gordon but is more willing to trade Christian Braun to create salary flexibility.