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Deadspin | Multi-league QB P.J. Walker retires at 31 Nov 28, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker (6) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images The Calgary Stampeders may be looking to add a quarterback after the retirement of P.J. Walker at age 31. Walker, who played in college at Temple, made the rounds of North American-based football leagues over the past nine seasons. He made his final stop in Calgary of the Canadian Football League, signing in October 2024 to the practice squad. He was the backup quarterback in 2025, dressing for 13 games and starting one — Week 9 in Ottawa. In that game, he was 35-of-59 passing for 395 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Undrafted in 2017, Walker signed with the Indianapolis Colts that season and was on the practice squad until his release just before the start of the 2019 season. In 2019, the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL signed him, and he played in five games in 2020 before the global pandemic stalled sports. Later in 2020, he signed with the Carolina Panthers and appeared in 15 games (seven starts) over three seasons and threw for 1,461 yards and five touchdowns with 11 passes picked off. He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and appeared in two games, completing 54 passes for 674 yards and one touchdown with five interceptions. Through the years, he also signed with both the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks but was released before the season started. He ends his NFL career with a 5-4 record in nine starts over 21 games. He completed 54.6% of his passes for 2,135 yards with six TDs and 16 interceptions. The Stampeders are scheduled to open the season June 5 with a visit from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Multileague #P.J #Walker #retires

Deadspin | Multi-league QB P.J. Walker retires at 31
Deadspin | Multi-league QB P.J. Walker retires at 31 Nov 28, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker (6) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images The Calgary Stampeders may be looking to add a quarterback after the retirement of P.J. Walker at age 31. Walker, who played in college at Temple, made the rounds of North American-based football leagues over the past nine seasons. He made his final stop in Calgary of the Canadian Football League, signing in October 2024 to the practice squad. He was the backup quarterback in 2025, dressing for 13 games and starting one — Week 9 in Ottawa. In that game, he was 35-of-59 passing for 395 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Undrafted in 2017, Walker signed with the Indianapolis Colts that season and was on the practice squad until his release just before the start of the 2019 season. In 2019, the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL signed him, and he played in five games in 2020 before the global pandemic stalled sports. Later in 2020, he signed with the Carolina Panthers and appeared in 15 games (seven starts) over three seasons and threw for 1,461 yards and five touchdowns with 11 passes picked off. He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and appeared in two games, completing 54 passes for 674 yards and one touchdown with five interceptions. Through the years, he also signed with both the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks but was released before the season started. He ends his NFL career with a 5-4 record in nine starts over 21 games. He completed 54.6% of his passes for 2,135 yards with six TDs and 16 interceptions. The Stampeders are scheduled to open the season June 5 with a visit from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Multileague #P.J #Walker #retiresNov 28, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker (6) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The Calgary Stampeders may be looking to add a quarterback after the retirement of P.J. Walker at age 31.

Walker, who played in college at Temple, made the rounds of North American-based football leagues over the past nine seasons.

He made his final stop in Calgary of the Canadian Football League, signing in October 2024 to the practice squad. He was the backup quarterback in 2025, dressing for 13 games and starting one — Week 9 in Ottawa. In that game, he was 35-of-59 passing for 395 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Undrafted in 2017, Walker signed with the Indianapolis Colts that season and was on the practice squad until his release just before the start of the 2019 season.


In 2019, the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL signed him, and he played in five games in 2020 before the global pandemic stalled sports. Later in 2020, he signed with the Carolina Panthers and appeared in 15 games (seven starts) over three seasons and threw for 1,461 yards and five touchdowns with 11 passes picked off.

He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and appeared in two games, completing 54 passes for 674 yards and one touchdown with five interceptions.

Through the years, he also signed with both the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks but was released before the season started.

He ends his NFL career with a 5-4 record in nine starts over 21 games. He completed 54.6% of his passes for 2,135 yards with six TDs and 16 interceptions.

The Stampeders are scheduled to open the season June 5 with a visit from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Multileague #P.J #Walker #retires

Sports news

Nov 28, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker (6) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The Calgary Stampeders may be looking to add a quarterback after the retirement of P.J. Walker at age 31.

Walker, who played in college at Temple, made the rounds of North American-based football leagues over the past nine seasons.

He made his final stop in Calgary of the Canadian Football League, signing in October 2024 to the practice squad. He was the backup quarterback in 2025, dressing for 13 games and starting one — Week 9 in Ottawa. In that game, he was 35-of-59 passing for 395 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Undrafted in 2017, Walker signed with the Indianapolis Colts that season and was on the practice squad until his release just before the start of the 2019 season.

In 2019, the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL signed him, and he played in five games in 2020 before the global pandemic stalled sports. Later in 2020, he signed with the Carolina Panthers and appeared in 15 games (seven starts) over three seasons and threw for 1,461 yards and five touchdowns with 11 passes picked off.

He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and appeared in two games, completing 54 passes for 674 yards and one touchdown with five interceptions.

Through the years, he also signed with both the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks but was released before the season started.

He ends his NFL career with a 5-4 record in nine starts over 21 games. He completed 54.6% of his passes for 2,135 yards with six TDs and 16 interceptions.

The Stampeders are scheduled to open the season June 5 with a visit from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

–Field Level Media

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UFC – “I’m here to win”: Beneil Dariush dismisses the past ahead of Quillan Salkilld showdown <div id="content-body-70929292" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The upcoming UFC Fight Night in Perth is headlined by a high-octane welterweight clash between former champion Jack Della Maddalena and the explosive Carlos Prates.</p><p>While the main event features Della Maddalena returning to home soil, much of the night’s intrigue surrounds the high-stakes lightweight co-main event as ranked veteran Beneil Dariush enters hostile territory to face the rising Perth star Quillan Salkilld.</p><p>For Dariush, this fight is about finding stability after a turbulent 2025, yet despite the pressure of facing a surging prospect in front of a partisan crowd, he remains remarkably stoic.</p><p>“Not a whole lot for me changes. I just focus on what I do best and focus on implementing my game plan. I don’t care who the name is or what they represent or where they come from. My goal is to win. And in order to do that, I have to be focused on my skills and not on the mystery or the mystique of the fighter,” Dariush told <i>Sportstar</i> ahead of the fight.</p><p>Salkilld presents a unique puzzle compared to recent opponents, shifting the technical requirements of the camp. Unlike the striking-heavy threats Dariush has navigated lately, the Australian is a dangerous all-rounder, forcing a more holistic approach to training.</p><p>“Training for Quillan is a little bit more difficult, I would say, because you have to train all aspects. He’s a well-rounded fighter and and I have to be ready for more grappling while Manuel was more focused on um striking,” Dariush said.</p><p>While critics often point to recent setbacks as a sign of decline, Dariush refuses to engage with the narrative of his ranking or his past results, choosing instead to anchor himself in the immediate task at hand. “I don’t know. I don’t care. I’m here to win. I don’t look at numbers. I don’t look at the past. I’m focused on the present,” he said.</p><p>UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates – Full fight card</p><p><i>Main Event (Welterweight): Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates</i></p><p><i>Co-Main Event (Lightweight): Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld</i></p><p>Flyweight: Steve Erceg vs. Tim Elliott</p><p>Featherweight: Marwan Rahiki vs. Ollie Schmid</p><p>Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic</p><p>Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland</p><p><b><i>Streaming information: </i></b>Watch UFC Fight Night – Della Maddalena vs Prates on 2nd May 2026 from 4:30 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu & Kannada).</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 01, 2026</p></div> #UFC #win #Beneil #Dariush #dismisses #ahead #Quillan #Salkilld #showdown

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Deadspin | Calais Campbell’s brother charged in mother’s murder Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records. Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut. Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.” Campbell signed a one-year, .5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murderDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records.

Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams.

The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut.


Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday.

“We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said.

Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.”

Campbell signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts).


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murder">Deadspin | Calais Campbell’s brother charged in mother’s murder Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records. Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut. Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.” Campbell signed a one-year, .5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murder

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, 0 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.Lakers grade for Walker Kessler tradeKessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, 0 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.Jazz grade for Walker Kessler tradeTalk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least. #Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah

according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah
#Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges">Wimbledon 2026: Sinner cruises to second round with straight sets victory over Borges iDefending champion Jannik Sinner progressed to the third round of Wimbledon with a straight sets victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Centre Court on Wednesday.The World No.1 had to dig deep in the first round to overcome Miomir Kecmanovic in a five-set thriller but got past his opponent in the second round without much trouble to defeat Borges 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.Sinner will face fellow Italina Matteo Berretini in the third round.Published on Jul 01, 2026 #Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges

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