The New York Knicks‘ hopes of being a title contender are thriving after a slow start to the season. The team boldly went all-in over the summer, acquiring Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges in separate deals to push for a title with Jalen Brunson as the star guard. They’re 24-13 this season on the strength of their talent but could achieve a lot more if they fine-tune their roster with trades.
Towns has excelled for them as their center but the team has no depth in the position behind him outside the perennially-injured Mitchell Robinson. We are seeing Jericho Sims get starts for the Knicks in Towns’ absence, which shows how desperately they need to address their big-man depth.
The perfect and affordable option could be available if the Knicks ring up the Utah Jazz.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Walker Kessler ($2.9 Million)
Utah Jazz Receive: Tyler Kolek ($2.0 Million), 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (NYK), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS/MEM), 2026 Second-Round Pick (GSW), 2027 Second-Round Pick (MIN), 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)
This deal would improve the Knicks considerably. It adds a center option who could play alongside Towns or as a replacement, depending on the situation. The Knicks don’t need to play a double-big lineup but adding someone like Kessler gives them that as a stylistic option, something they don’t have right now.
The Knicks Land A Center Who Can Grow With Them
The Knicks have gone all-in on their current roster, which will lead to a relatively narrow window where they can maximize their current players to win a title. They look like a title-contending team on the strength of Brunson and Towns alone, without factoring in the improving perimeter play from both Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Walker Kessler is averaging 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks this season, taking a step forward as a towering interior defender. His lack of offensive versatility has led to the Jazz listening on offers for him, with head coach Will Hardy preferring versatile options like John Collins at center instead. Kessler can thrive in New York as his offensive limitations will likely lead to the perfect bench role for now.
Towns has super-charged the team’s offense, which will allow Kessler to be a defense-only center. He could rotate and be Karl’s backup who helps the Knicks find defensive stability, or he could play alongside Towns to create a twin-tower lineup similar to what Towns had on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kessler is just 23 years old, meaning he can develop his offensive game behind Towns going forward. The Knicks can shape him into being the ideal center for their needs who can carry the load as a sole big man hoping to add defense or as a part of a dynamic double-center combination.
The Jazz Get A Hefty Return And A Nice Prospect
The Jazz have reportedly been listening to offers for Kessler since the summer but there has been little movement on that front. While they’re being finicky about the price, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re willing to trade a 23-year-old who joined their franchise just two seasons ago. Coach Will Hardy knows Kessler isn’t the long-term center he wants on this franchise, so it’s best to maximize his value now.
Kessler’s cheap contract will allow the Jazz to offload him to a contender who will be willing to pay a high pick price to add his contract to their playable rotation. The Knicks will send back Tyler Kolek, a 2024 draft pick who could have a high ceiling as a steady, old-school NBA point guard. He’s averaging 2.3 points this season in limited opportunities.
The draft return of one first-round pick swap along with four second-round picks might be better than what most other teams will be offering the Jazz for Kessler right now. This is an easy deal that lands them future assets while also opening up a frontcourt spot to run a more modern offense under coach Hardy.
Hard To Find Cheap Upgrades In The NBA
The Knicks have a big-man rotation that features imperfect players who haven’t been able to keep the team competitive when Towns is absent. Kessler will be the perfect solution for that, providing the opposite skill set to the offensively gifted Dominican center. Kessler will bring elite rim protection and defense to the court, with potential lineups featuring both bigs together hard to scheme against.
Kessler’s contract means he can be a unique acquisition that barely affects the Knicks’ current roster. They won’t be thrilled about losing Kolek, but how often can you land a starting-caliber center who makes just $2.8 million? This is a cheap upgrade in the literal sense, as Kessler’s contract will be of incredible value before his inevitable extension.
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