According to SNY's Ian Begley, the Utah Jazz are seeking a first-round draft pick in a trade for big man Walker Kessler.
Among the teams interested are the New York Knicks.
“The Knicks have been in contact with Utah and are interested in big man Walker Kessler as a solution for their backup five,” Begley said. “According to teams in contact with Utah, the Jazz are seeking at least a first-round draft pick in exchange for Kessler in talks held earlier in the offseason.”
The Knicks are looking to add depth at center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency this offseason. Hartenstein was a coveted free agent after averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game with New York last season, and for good reason.
Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his second season in the NBA last year and could be a credible replacement for the Knicks. At just 22 years old, the 7-foot-4 Kessler still has time to develop and could eventually become a starter.
But whatever Utah is willing to pay for Kessler may be more than New York was willing to pay this offseason. The Knicks had plenty of 2025 first-round picks, but traded two of them to the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges.
If New York believes Kessler can help them get closer to a championship this season, it might be worth handing over a first-round draft pick for him.
