The New York Knicks suffered a significant loss when Isaiah Hartenstein joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. A departure that leaves the New Yorkers in urgent need of finding a new center to maintain their depth at the position at a very affordable salary cost.
Although the Knicks still have Mitchell Robinson, the options available in free agency are limited, which will force management to consider alternatives in the market. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHypeThe Knicks have shown interest in acquiring Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
Kessler, who was part of the All-Rookie Team in the 2022-23 season and was third in the Rookie of the Year voting, saw his performance and impact on the court diminish last season due, mainly, to his poor chemistry and ability to coexist on the court with John Collins, which displaced him to the role of substitute. Even so, at 22 years old he is still one of the protect rim with greater future projection in the NBA.
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Player and management met after the season and apparently smoothed things over. However, journalist Tony Jones shared that Kessler is not guaranteed a spot on the team and that the Jazz could part ways with him if a good offer comes in. In any case, Salt Lake City is not actively looking for an exit for its young center.
However, early rumors suggest that the Jazz are asking for two first-round picks for Kessler. A price that is supposedly immovable considering they have no need or urgency to trade him. If the Knicks don’t want to give up that much for a center, another option is to bring back Precious Achiuwa, who recently became a free agent.
(Cover photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2024-07-02 20:30:49
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