Exclusive: Knicks allegedly spoke about trading for Jazz center player
Due to their sensational trade for Mikal Bridges, the New York Knicks have been among the clubs most active during the 2024 NBA summer. Additionally, a number of players have been associated with them in trade rumors, and the most recent one indicates their interest in Walker Kessler, a former first-round choice of the Utah Jazz. The Knicks and Jazz “stalled conversation” about a possible deal for Kessler, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
“Per multiple sources, Utah has discussed Kessler previously in trade, including a stalled conversation with the New York Knicks.” Pincus penned. This is an intriguing fact, and the Knicks would have benefitted greatly from having Kessler, the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, on staff. In his rookie season, Kessler averaged 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 72% from the field. In his sophomore year, he added 8.1 points and 7.5 rebounds on 65.4 percent shooting. The fact that center Isaiah Hartenstein left the Knicks to accept a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder probably prompted the team to pursue Kessler.
The Knicks are a team to keep an eye on in the lead-up to this season’s trade deadline, even if they seem mostly set as they prepare for the 2024–25 NBA season, particularly if they decide to pursue front-court talent.