Report: Knicks Tried To Trade For Jazz’s Walker Kessler

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the New York Knicks tried to trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. 

The Jazz are open to trading Kessler.

“Per multiple sources, Utah has discussed Kessler previously in trade, including a stalled conversation with the New York Knicks,” Pincus wrote. “He doesn’t seem part of the team’s long-term plan.”

Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks for the Jazz last season while shooting 65.4% from the field, 21.1% from beyond the arc and 60.2% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $2.9 million next season. 

Kessler has career averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.4 blocks. He made the 2022-23 All-Rookie first team. 

The Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, so they need a big man.

New York already made one big trade this offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. 

The Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in seven games. Jalen Brunson signed an extension and OG Anunoby re-signed with New York in free agency. 

Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million extension with the Knicks this offseason. He left over $113 million on the table by not signing an extension next offseason. 

“I think about every decision that I make and I’m completely comfortable with what I’ve done,” Brunson told NBA reporters, via ESPN. “Obviously I’m well off, myself and my family, we’re obviously well off, so that’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here.”

Brunson will make $24.9 million next season. He averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Knicks in 2023-24 while shooting 47.9% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 84.7% from the free-throw line. 

“People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it’s all about their actions,” Brunson said. “Obviously this is no guarantee that we win a championship, right? This is just me wanting to do my part to help this team try and get one. So it’s all about the journey and I’m happy to be a part of it.”