Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks will struggle to pry Walker Kessler out of Utah

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jul 9, 2024 3:03 PM ET

According to SNY's Ian Begley, The New York Knicks are interested in acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.

"The Knicks had been in touch with Utah," Begley said. "Had some interest in Walker Kessler, the big man, as a potential solution for them at the backup five. But teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first-round pick in return for Kessler...That's going to be a tough price for the Knicks to meet or match."

Kessler would be a fantastic replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein, who left the Knicks for the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. Kessler, 22, is a true seven-footer who can protect the rim and score around the basket. His size and physicality on both sides of the floor fit the style of basketball Tom Thibodeau has implemented in New York.

Unfortunately, New York utilized most of its draft capital in the deal to bring Mikal Bridges to the franchise at the start of free agency.

The Jazz are right to ask for a future first-round pick or two. Kessler will be entering his third NBA season in October and has shown flashes of high-level upside as a hulking rim-runner.

The Knicks still need to replace Hartenstein. Kessler is unlikely to be the answer despite his clear fit with the franchise. New York knew the risks when it went all-in on Bridges. Now, the Knicks must turn to the free-agent market in the hope of finding a big that fits the system and culture Thibodeau has cultivated. Luckily for them, being a contending team should make negotiations easier.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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