NBA Trade Rumors: Jazz Want 1st-Round Draft Pick for Walker Kessler amid Knicks Buzz

Andrew PetersJuly 9, 2024

Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

The Utah Jazz reportedly want a first-round pick in exchange for big man Walker Kessler in a potential trade, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

Among the interested teams are the New York Knicks.

“The Knicks have been in touch with Utah, have had some interest in Walker Kessler, the big man, as a potential solution for them at the backup five,” Begley said. “Teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first-round pick in return for Kessler in these conversations that have gone on earlier in the offseason.”

Knicks Videos @sny_knicks”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

The Knicks are looking to add depth at the center position after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency this offseason.

Hartenstein was a coveted free-agent target and for good reason, as he put up 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game for New York last season.

Kessler could be a solid replacement for the Knicks, as he averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in just his second season in the NBA last year. At just 22 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop and could eventually be a starting-caliber player.

But Utah’s price for the 7-footer might be more than New York is willing to pay this offseason. The Knicks had a solid haul of 2025 first-round picks, but they traded two of them to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for Mikal Bridges.

If New York believes Kessler could help it get closer to a championship this season, handing over a first-round pick could be worth it.