Scenic beauty, hot springs, and Walker Kessler’s trade rumors are all the buzz in Utah. And the Jazz have grown weary of the relentless calls from opposing front offices about the 7-footer. Yet they’ve shown no interest in parting ways. But now the pressure is mounting as word on the street has it that the league’s most successful teams lining up to acquire Kessler. Will it be easy for the franchise to turn them down too?

Probably not. That’s what reporter Mike Barner believes, as the team has sidelined Kessler for their next matchup against the Pelicans on Friday. Not only that, he raised serious concerns about the franchise’s decision, urging the league to investigate why the center is being rested for three straight games.

“How is the #NBA not doing anything about the #Jazz?” Barner asked in an X post. “Walker Kessler is 23 years old and has now been rested against the #Nets and #Pelicans. The Jazz are clearly trying to lose against bad teams close to them in the standings. Friday’s game isn’t even part of a back-to-back!” Apart from Kessler, the Jazz have ruled out John Collins, Micah Potter, Lauri Markkanen, Johnny Juzang and Jordan Clarkson as well.

The popular narrative in the league is that when a player is unnecessarily benched while trade rumors are heating up, there might be something brewing behind the scenes. And the same is being speculated about Kessler.

While the Lakers’ interest in him has been well-known, the Celtics have also joined that list of potential suitors. Although some reports have clarified that the Shamrocks aren’t seeking any missing pieces for their puzzle, it’s also believed they’re open to exploring the possible opportunities. With all these factors in play, Barner’s concern seems justified. Even some fans were left confused by the Jazz’s decision.

NBA community left baffled by Walker Kessler’s benching

“What exactly is he resting from?” asked one fan. According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, Kessler is missing tonight’s clash simply due to rest. Barner replied to the fan, pointing out that Utah isn’t hiding his status with a fake injury, they are openly admitting that they are resting the Atlanta-born.

When another fan brought up that a trade might be on the horizon by commenting, “And they have two days off afterward…trade incoming?” Barner quickly dismissed it. “They aren’t trading him, just actively trying to lose against other bad teams. It’s pathetic,” he responded. That’s some serious allegation.

“They really need a penalty system, like technical fouls but on the organization,” suggested someone. While teams can rest players due to load management, Kessler has already had his rest after missing the last two games. So, the fan is calling for the league to punish the Jazz for making such moves.

The team is holding one of the worst records in the West, just above the bottom team, the Pelicans. This game was their opportunity to improve their 10-29 record, yet they decided to bench Kessler, who is their key player averaging 10.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game this season. Now, if the Jazz lose this game, Barner’s allegation might start to carry some weight.