Knicks Interested In Trading For Walker Kessler

[RealGM Wiretap]

The New York Knicks have interest in trading Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. One challenge is that the Jazz are seeking at least a first-round pick for Kessler.

The Knicks have several protected picks they own, but none of those are projected to deliver particularly enticing picks. All of New York's own picks were traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the Mikal Bridges trades.

Kessler has fallen somewhat out of favor in Utah. He lost playing time throughout his second season, and the Jazz have Kessler currently playing Summer League. New York is seeking depth at the center position. After losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, the Knicks have only Jericho Sims behind the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson.

Kessler has two seasons remaining on his rookie scale contract. That includes this season at a very tradable $2.9 million.

Via Ian Begley/SNY

[niha17]

Wrong player because of the team hes on the jazz got the old boston gm the taking all your pick for him he wont come cheap dont do it

[Bolsolixo]

It would need to be McBride plus some 2rd Picks. Don't looks like a deal that the Jazz would do.

[moocow007]

Probably pull in another team to provide the 1st and ship McBride to that 3rd team. McBride should be worth a 1st that would project to be better than the protected 1sts the Knicks have that they can trade. Doing this would not only give Ainge a 1st but also a trade exception that he seems to love acquiring (see his trades since taking over the Jazz, the majority involve the Jazz acquiring trade exceptions.

[FreeBoosie]

Why? Don't they know he didn't play for Nova.

[DoctorDunc]

I just watched Kessler get run over by Zack Eddy in the summer league tip in. No sure you want to do business with Danny Ain’t on this one.

[NUMBERICA]

I just watched Kessler get run over by Zack Eddy in the summer league tip in. No sure you want to do business with Danny Ain’t on this one.

Says more about Edey than Kessler (since he also boxed out another 7 footer with just his arms).

Kessler is a really nice player; easily one of the best rim protectors in the league. I think the relationship is not great with Utah and frankly trading him will facilitate tanking in a major way.