Walker Kessler finishes his second year in the NBA with the Utah Jazz.
He finished the season averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 65.4% from the field in 64 games.
Despite the strong start to his career, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus reported that he may not be included in the team’s future plans (h/t HoopsHype).
About Pincus’ article in Bleacher Report: “According to multiple sources, Utah has previously discussed trading Kessler, including stalled talks with the New York Knicks. He does not appear to be part of the team’s long-term plans.”
Last @BleacherReport A 3-team trade for the Pelicans to move Brandon Ingram, the Nets to sign Cameron Johnson -> Utah gets Ingram. One could argue the value for Cam is good for NOP, but I’m not sure he has tremendous trade value (unlikely incentives, age, injuries, etc.) https://t.co/QOZGhpffj4
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) 23 August 2024
It’s notable that Pincus mentions the Knicks and Jazz talks about Kessler.
Michael Scotto from HoopsHype reported (in July) that the Knicks were a team interested in signing the 23-year-old center.
The New York Knicks show interest in Walker Kessler, per @MikeAScotto
“The Knicks have also been exploring the transfer market and have shown interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler, league sources told HoopsHype, as well as Hornets center Nick Richards, as previously… pic.twitter.com/z8CvZcOHZo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2024
Obviously there has been no progress in those talks, but Kessler will now be a name to keep a close eye on as the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches.
Selected 22nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he averaged 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 69.0% from the field in 138 games.
Via NBA History on March 26, 2023: “Walker Kessler is the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to score over 30 points and over 10 rebounds in a game.”
Walker Kessler is the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to score over 30 points and grab over 10 rebounds in a game. pic.twitter.com/oVk4tA4FXj
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 26, 2023
The Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA.
Last season they were number two in the Eastern Conference with a record of 50-32.
After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in game seven of the second round.
