Knicks News: NYC Wanted Jazz Star Before Karl-Anthony Towns Trade – Inside the Failed Offer That Changed NBA’s Landscape

“KAT did not request this trade. He never has requested a move in 9 years here,” Jon Krawczynski had made it clear via his report. Everyone was in disbelief over one of the most late and unexpected trades. After seeing the duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards take Minnesota to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, the hope of seeing a repeat episode shattered after the 28-year-old was traded. The situation worked out, as the Knicks needed a center, while the Wolves wanted to get rid of an extra one. As it turns out, however, KAT wasn’t even the first choice for the NY side to fill the requirement within the Jalen Brunson-led roster.

NBA reporter, Marc Stein, made a major revelation. The Knicks were making several attempts at acquiring Utah Jazz’s Center, Walker Kessler, before they decided to probably say screw it and land on the former Wolves player. At first glance, not many would have preferred Kessler when KAT was the other option. After all, the 23-year-old has only spent two years in the NBA, performing well in his rookie season but faltering in the next year to such a level that he lost the starting spot to John Collins.

However, given Walker Kessler’s young age and a certain improvement in rim numbers, the Knicks may have had their reasons for placing a bet on the Jazz hooper. Before Stein released his report, rumors already swirled about a possible Kessler acquisition since August. The Knicks were in a precarious position since their depth at Center was hampered after Isaiah Hartenstein opted for free agency, and then signed with OKC Thunder. Longtime center Mitchell Robinson could’ve picked up the slack.

Unfortunately, the player continues to recover from two ankle surgeries that kept him benched for a major portion of the 2023-24 season. With the New York Knicks possessing an attractive salary cap, thanks in part to Jalen Brunson taking a pay cut, there would have been no problems in covering the remaining $7.84 million from Walker Kessler’s 4-year, $13.37 million contract with the Utah Jazz. Who knows, maybe the hooper would have even received an attractive extension deal.

Unfortunately, any potential interest between the two teams didn’t materialize, since the Jazz reportedly weren’t willing to budge over their demand for future picks. “Utah wanted at least two future first-round picks for Kessler,” Marc Stein highlighted in his report, “the Knicks had exhausted much of their remaining cache of draft picks in the trade with Brooklyn for (Mikal) Bridges.”

This one rejection may have ended up changing the NBA landscape for the upcoming season. After all, by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have added a defensive star who may be able to complement the offensive mindset of Jalen Brunson.

Furthermore, with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo gone as well, KAT can cover the power forward position too. If the 7.7-15.3 (50.4%) field goals, 4.1-4.7 (87.3%) free throws, and 2.2-5.3 (41.6%) three-pointers from last season told us anything, it is that Towns can hold his own with scoring. If one needs any further proof, all they need to do is hear from one of his on-court rivals.

How did Paul George react to Karl-Anthony Towns’ trade?

Similarly to Karl-Anthony Towns, Paul George is also starting a new chapter of his NBA career. During the 76ers’ training camp in the Bahamas, the 34-year-old small forward was asked about his thoughts on the sudden Knicks-Timberwolves trade deal. George first decided to troll the reporters by taking a stance against the trade, stating “Terrible trade, Karl is awful. He’s old. That was a bad trade to give up Julius (Randle) for KAT.”

In an instant, however, he then added, “Kidding. Obviously, KAT is one of my closest friends. KAT is, you know, he’s a good touch. I think it’s a win for a win to give up Julius for KAT. Both of those guys are very, very skilled and very good.” Towns proved George right during the Knicks’ first pre-season game against the Hornets. Despite being on the court for only 15 minutes, the Center was able to score 10 points and 4 rebounds.

KAT certainly caught the attention of the Spectrum Center, when his first pre-season Knicks bucket was an impressive three-pointer made with Brandon Miller standing right in front of him. The Knicks trade may not have been what Karl-Anthony Towns wanted.

However, as long as he is here, he seems to be making the best use of his skill. When the time comes, and the New York side will go up against the Utah Jazz, fans can see for themselves why not acquiring Walker Kessler may have been a good thing.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.