The Utah Jazz are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for big man Walker Kessler in a potential trade, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. The New York Knicks have shown interest in Kessler as a solution at the backup center position.
Teams in touch with Utah have revealed that the Jazz are holding out for at least a first-round pick in return for Kessler. The Knicks are in need of depth at the center position after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. Hartenstein was a key player for the Knicks last season, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Kessler, on the other hand, put up impressive numbers in just his second season in the NBA, averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. At 22 years old and standing at 7 feet tall, Kessler still has room to grow and could potentially become a starting-caliber player in the future.
However, the price tag set by Utah for Kessler may be too high for the Knicks. Although New York had a good number of first-round picks for the 2025 draft, they traded two of them to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges.
If the Knicks believe that Kessler could significantly contribute to their championship aspirations this season, giving up a first-round pick may be a worthwhile investment. It remains to be seen whether the Knicks will meet Utah’s asking price for Kessler or explore other options to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Adding Kessler to the Knicks’ lineup could potentially solidify their frontcourt and provide them with the necessary depth to compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference.