New York Knicks Reportedly Have Trade Interest In Young Center

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the New York Knicks have interest in a Utah Jazz player.

Feb 27, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Walker Kessler is coming off his second year in the NBA for the Utah Jazz.

The former Auburn star finished this past season with averages of 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest while shooting 65.4% from the field in 64 games.

On Tuesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported intel from around the NBA.

In one tidbit, Scotto reported that the New York Knicks are a team with interest in trading for Kessler.

Story: Reporting on Lauri Markkanen trade talks, including new interest from the Pelicans, sources say. Plus, DeMar DeRozan updates, Lakers trade interest in Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma's trade value, Knicks center options, and 76ers targets on @hoopshype. https://t.co/uzOH410RBH

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 2, 2024

Kessler is only 22, so he will likely continue to get better over the next few years.

In addition, he is already an elite rim protector that could help replace the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein.

Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) goes to the basket against Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Hartenstein finished the regular season with averages of 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 64.4% from the field in 75 games.

ESPN Sources: Free agent C Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed on a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein leave the Knicks for the top West seed eager to add his size, skill and physicality. pic.twitter.com/gbOpAw1Gsx

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

Over his two seasons in the NBA, Kessler has career averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest while shooting 69.0% from the field in 138 games.

The Jazz are a team that is in rebuilding mode, so they would likely want a significant return for Kessler.

The New York Knicks are showing interest in Walker Kessler, per @MikeAScotto

“The Knicks have also made inquiries on the trade market, showing interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler, league sources told HoopsHype, along with Hornets center Nick Richards, as previously… pic.twitter.com/z8CvZcOHZo

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2024

As for the Knicks, they are in a clear win-now mode and are coming off a season where they were the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record.

They lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA playoffs (in seven games).