REPORT: Knicks and Jazz have discussed Walker Kessler trade

Despite a solid offseason that saw the New York Knicks re-signing OG Anunoby, trading for Mikal Bridges, and extending Jalen Brunson, there was a healthy amount of worry when the franchise lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in July.

While it shouldn’t—and likely won’t—be a loss that completely derails the season, the lack of depth at the five remains one of the largest and most glaring weaknesses New York has heading into the new campaign.

Because of that, the overwhelming majority of mock trades and rumors surrounding the franchise over the last couple of months have been centered around them acquiring a new center. One of those names being floated around the most has been Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.

Before expanding on it, let’s make clear what we’re discussing here today isn’t a new report breaking an imminent trade.

Kessler, along with Hornets big man Nick Richards, were among the first and most popular names linked to the Knicks earlier this summer. After those initial rumors died down, however, it was believed that the Jazz asking price was too high and that the potential trade would no longer come to fruition.

While the move still may not happen at all, there were new soft reports earlier this week that talks between both franchises haven’t completely died down.

According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Knicks and Jazz have indeed spoken about a trade centered around the young big man. This report doesn’t say that the two teams have or have not engaged in these talks lately. But often, where there is smoke, there is fire. And in this scenario, it makes perfect sense.

“Per multiple sources, Utah has discussed Kessler previously in trade, including a stalled conversation with the New York Knicks. He doesn’t seem part of the team’s long-term plans.” — Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.

The Knicks are looking to push all their chips in and getting Kessler would help secure their backup center minutes. It would also allow the recently signed Precious Achiuwa to split minutes as a power forward and a third-string center and his usage would likely depend a lot more on matchups.

And maybe the most important part of it all is that Kessler provides the Knicks with some much-needed insurance for Mitchell Robinson, who has been great when on the court but has struggled mightily with staying healthy the last few years.

A trade with the Knicks would also make sense for the Jazz because they’re reportedly not keen on having Kessler as part of their long-term plans. If that is the case, it behooves them to trade him sooner rather than later, especially since his stock already started to decline last year.

Again, this report doesn’t suggest that the two sides are close to a deal or that it ever will get done. But it does give Knicks fans some hope as it seems like a chance remains to land another big man.