The trade discussions involving the Utah Jazz front office are intensifying, with Walker Kessler now being mentioned in trade talks.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen has emerged as a highly sought-after asset, prompting teams across the NBA to engage in a competitive bidding war reminiscent of Danny Ainge’s famous game show, “Who Wants to Overpay for a Millionaire?”
While much of the league focuses on Utah’s Finnish star, the New York Knicks are reportedly making a move for third-year shot-blocker Walker Kessler.
According to Michael Scotto of hoopshype.com, filling the void left by Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure to Oklahoma City is now a top priority for Tom Thibodeau’s team, and Kessler has been identified as an ideal addition.
Navigating negotiations with Utah’s basketball operations head, Danny Ainge, is always a delicate task. When he arrived, trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell was his initial priority, but he set a clear standard: any deal involving stars would require a substantial return, akin to bringing him the moon (or perhaps the reverse—either way, the point is understood). The trades involving Utah’s All-Star duo fetched a wealth of draft assets, setting a high bar in the trade market that summer.
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
In simple terms, the Jazz won’t part with their young center for minimal returns—the Knicks will need to offer a compelling package. Although Walker Kessler’s stock has dipped since his standout rookie season, which sparked considerable discussion across the NBA (such as the hypothetical Kessler for Gobert swap), his increased availability will be a significant factor in trade discussions, according to Michael Scotto.
After recovering from an early-season injury, Walker Kessler felt somewhat underutilized by Utah. During his absence, John Collins took his place in the starting lineup, displacing Kessler from the role he had enjoyed for much of his rookie year.
Despite this shift, fans still hold a positive view of Kessler. While he may have experienced a typical “sophomore slump,” his rim protection remains impressive for a player of his age. There is still ample room for improvement in his offensive game, which could be a key factor as New York considers him in their quest to contend for a championship this season.
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
Watching Kessler’s statistics and playing time decline after a rookie season where he filled a defensive anchor role akin to Rudy Gobert was somewhat bewildering. Questions arose about whether there was undisclosed information about Kessler, if his performance had dramatically dropped, or if his skill set no longer aligned with Coach Will Hardy’s strategy. Amid these uncertainties, I found myself wondering if I was alone in my belief in Walker Kessler’s potential.
However, setting aside these speculations, one certainty remains: if New York targets Kessler in a trade, he still holds significant value. While I hope to see Kessler return to the court for Utah in his third season, decisions akin to those involving Markkanen might necessitate considering compelling offers for the team’s long-term benefit.