The New York Knicks have overcome a slow start to the season and are now firmly in the hunt for a title. After making bold moves over the summer, including acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in separate trades, the Knicks have assembled a strong core, led by star guard Jalen Brunson. With a 24-13 record, the team has shown their potential, but there is still room for improvement, particularly in adding depth to their roster through trades.
While Towns has been an excellent addition at center, the Knicks are thin behind him, with the injury-prone Mitchell Robinson providing little reliability. The team has even turned to Jericho Sims in Towns’ absence, highlighting the pressing need for more big-man depth. Fortunately, there may be a perfect solution available if the Knicks make a move with the Utah Jazz.
Trade Proposal:
New York Knicks Receive: Walker Kessler ($2.9 million)
Utah Jazz Receive: Tyler Kolek ($2.0 million), 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (NYK), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS/MEM), 2026 Second-Round Pick (GSW), 2027 Second-Round Pick (MIN), 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)
This trade could significantly strengthen the Knicks. Walker Kessler, a 23-year-old center, would provide them with a defensive presence both as a backup for Towns and as a possible partner in a twin-tower lineup. While the Knicks don’t need to consistently play two bigs, adding Kessler would offer them flexibility and a new option they currently lack.
Kessler has taken a major step forward this season, averaging 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, cementing his role as an elite interior defender. His lack of offensive versatility, however, has led the Jazz to consider offers for him, with head coach Will Hardy preferring more versatile options like John Collins. In New York, Kessler would thrive as a defense-first player, contributing to the Knicks’ overall success without needing to take on a larger offensive role.
For the Knicks, this trade would offer the opportunity to bolster their defense, which has been inconsistent without Towns. Kessler could act as a reliable backup or partner with Towns to form a formidable defensive frontcourt, reminiscent of the Twin Towers setup Kessler was part of with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His presence would help stabilize the Knicks’ defense while also allowing Towns to focus more on his offensive role.
Additionally, Kessler’s age makes him an ideal long-term fit for the Knicks. As he continues to develop his offensive game behind Towns, Kessler could become the center the Knicks need in the future, whether as the main big man or as part of a dynamic dual-center system.
On the Jazz’s side, this deal would allow them to acquire valuable future assets. They’ve been open to trading Kessler for some time, but the package the Knicks are offering might be the most appealing. With Kolek, a promising but untested point guard, and several second-round picks, the Jazz would get solid future value, while also opening up room for a more modern offensive scheme under Hardy.
Kessler’s affordable contract, making just $2.9 million, offers tremendous value to the Knicks. For a team looking to contend, this is an opportunity to make a cheap but significant upgrade to their roster. While they would part with a promising prospect in Kolek, finding a starting-caliber center at such a low cost is a rare occurrence in today’s NBA.
This trade would not only bolster the Knicks’ roster for the present but also set them up for continued success as they aim to compete for a championship in the near future.
