The New York Knicks have been looking for a center for some time and have looked everywhere for a big man, but to no avail.
According to Bleacher Report contributor Eric Pincus, the Knicks have discussed a possible transfer of third-year center Walker Kessler with the Utah Jazz.
“According to multiple sources, Utah has discussed Kessler’s trade before, including a stalled conversation with the New York Knicks,” Pincus writes. “He does not appear to be part of the team’s long-term plans.”
Kessler, 23, averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his second NBA season with the Jazz, similar numbers to Isaiah Hartenstein’s last season.
Kessler makes perfect sense as a target for the Knicks and would fill many of the holes left by Hartenstein after signing as a free agent with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, it appears that the Jazz were not interested in the package for Kessler at this time.
Perhaps the Jazz will be interested in players the Knicks would trade later in the season. Perhaps an injury or two will increase the Knicks’ need for a center, or Kessler’s value could drop because of his play.
A lot can change between now and the start of the season, which is why it’s riskier to make a deal like this. It’s possible the Jazz and Knicks could resume talks about Kessler between now and training camp, but it’s likely the two sides will stay on the same page for now.
The Knicks might not give up hope that things will change in the regular season and might call Danny Ainge to ask if the Jazz want to reopen the conversation.
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