Despite a strong offseason where the New York Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby, acquired Mikal Bridges, and extended Jalen Brunson, concerns arose when they lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in July. This departure highlighted a significant weakness in the team’s depth at center.
As a result, recent trade rumors and mock trades have largely focused on the Knicks acquiring a new center, with Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler being a frequently mentioned target. However, it’s important to note that these discussions are not about a confirmed imminent trade.
Kessler and Nick Richards from the Hornets were initially linked to the Knicks earlier this summer. Although interest waned due to the Jazz’s high asking price, recent soft reports indicate that trade talks between the Knicks and Jazz might still be ongoing.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus notes that while discussions about Kessler have occurred, including with the Knicks, it’s unclear how current these talks are. Nevertheless, the idea of acquiring Kessler makes sense for the Knicks. It would bolster their center position, provide insurance for the often-injured Mitchell Robinson, and allow Precious Achiuwa to share minutes at power forward and center.
For the Jazz, trading Kessler could be a prudent move if they do not see him as part of their long-term plans, especially as his value has started to decline. While no deal is imminent, the possibility of adding Kessler remains a hopeful prospect for Knicks fans.
