Utah Jazz (Photo by Steve C. Wilson/NBAE via Getty Images
The New York Knicks need depth at center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. In this situation, Walker Kessler could be a great fit as Hartenstein’s replacement, but the Utah Jazz might be shaking things up. According to NBA insider, the Jazz want a first-round draft pick in exchange for their rising star center.
According to a recent report from SportsNet New York, Coach Thibodeau is reportedly trying to trade for Kessle from the Utah Jazz. The 22-year-old center’s meteoric rise to NBA stardom has made him a sought-after player, and he’ll be an asset to any club he signs with for the next season.
Utah is reportedly seeking a first-round pick for Walker Kessler, per @IanBegley
"Teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first round pick in return for Kessler"
(🎥 @sny_knicks )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 9, 2024
However, it seems the Jazz are prioritizing acquiring a first-round pick, potentially to address a different need on their roster. On Monday, Ian Begley of SNY covered the most recent development by stating, “The Knicks had been in touch with Utah, had had some interest in Walker Kessler, the big man, as a potential solution for, at the backup five.”
While mentioning the Utah Jazz’s decision, he added, “But teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first-round pick in return for Kessler in these conversations that have gone on earlier in the offseason.”
Can Knicks Successfully Trade Walker Kessler from Utah Jazz?
Young star Walker Kessler is turning heads after just two seasons in the NBA! Drafted in 2022, he’s already got teams like the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks battling to bring him on board. His stats are seriously impressive. Last year, he averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and a whopping 2.4 blocks per game in just his second NBA season. His 74-game rookie season with the Jazz was noted with an average of 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.
At only 22 years old and standing tall at 7 feet, Kessler has tons of room to grow. He could easily become a starting player in the future. However, Jazz’s asking price for him may be steep, possibly exceeding what the Knicks are willing to offer this offseason. The New York franchise has already traded away some valuable draft picks, but if they believe Kessler can help them win a championship this year, it might just be worth it.
