Report: Jazz Want 1st Round Pick For Walker Kessler, Knicks Interested

According to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY, the Utah Jazz want a first-round pick for Walker Kessler.

The New York Knicks have some interest in trading for Kessler.

“Teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first round pick in return for Kessler”@IanBegley on the trade market for Walker Kessler, the latest on Precious Achiuwa, and more: pic.twitter.com/vuflJrsgLP

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 9, 2024

Kessler appeared in 64 games for the Jazz in 2023-24. He averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.4% from the field, 21.1% from beyond the arc and 60.2% from the free-throw line. 

Kessler has career averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.4 blocks with the Jazz. He was the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Auburn. 

The Jazz went 31-51 in 2023-24. They missed the playoffs for the second straight season. 

There’s growing skepticism leaguewide that Jazz executive Danny Ainge will actually move on any Lauri Markkanen deal, per NBA insider Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

The San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings have reached out to the Jazz about a Markkanen trade. 

Markkanen has one year left on his contract. He can sign an extension in August. 

Markkanen is one of the best players in the NBA. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Jazz while shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from 3 and 89.9% from the free-throw line. 

Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with Utah. 

The Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the postseason in seven games. The franchise re-signed OG Anunoby and acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. 

However, New York lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.