Utah
New York Knicks Reportedly Had Trade Discussion With Utah Jazz
Walker Kessler is coming off his second season in the NBA for the Utah Jazz.
He finished the year with averages of 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest while shooting 65.4% from the field in 64 games.
Despite the strong start to his career, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report reported that he may not be in the team’s future plans (h/t HoopsHype).
Via Pincus’ article on Bleacher Report: “Per multiple sources, Utah has discussed Kessler previously in trade, including a stalled conversation with the New York Knicks. He doesn’t seem part of the team’s long-term plan.”
Latest @BleacherReport A 3-Team Trade for Pelicans to Move Brandon Ingram, Nets to Deal Cameron Johnson -> Utah getting Ingram. Arguably value for Cam works for NOP, but not sure he has tremendous trade value (unlikely incentives, age, injuries, etc)https://t.co/QOZGhpffj4
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) August 23, 2024
It’s notable that Pincus mentions the Knicks and Jazz spoke about Kessler.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported (in July) that the Knicks were a team with interest in landing the 23-year-old center.
The New York Knicks are showing interest in Walker Kessler, per @MikeAScotto
“The Knicks have also made inquiries on the trade market, showing interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler, league sources told HoopsHype, along with Hornets center Nick Richards, as previously… pic.twitter.com/z8CvZcOHZo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2024
Clearly, nothing progressed in those talks, but Kessler will now be a name to follow closely heading into the 2025 NBA trading deadline.
He was the 22nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and has career averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest while shooting 69.0% from the field in 138 games.
Via NBA History on March 26, 2023: “Walker Kessler is the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to record 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game.”
Walker Kessler is the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to record 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game. pic.twitter.com/oVk4tA4FXj
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 26, 2023
As for the Knicks, they are among the best teams in the NBA.
Last season, they were the second seed in the Eastern Confernece with a 50-32 record.
After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the second round.