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The Utah Jazz reportedly aren’t keen to part with Walker Kessler.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the team has rejected offers for the young big man that included two first-round picks going back to the Jazz, though it is unclear if those pick had protections placed on them.
The New York Knicks are among the teams interested in Kessler, though it’s hard to imagine the team giving up that sort of draft capital after emptying the cupboard for Mikal Bridges.
Kessler, 22, was the No. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and has been solid if unspectacular in his two seasons, averaging 8.7 points, eight rebounds and 2.4 blocks across 138 games (62 starts).
Two first-round picks is a high price to pay for that level of production, depending on the potential protections involved, though Kessler’s ability to impact the game as a rim-protector surely has played a major role in his seemingly robust market.
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Walker Kessler with the rejection, Kenneth Lofton Jr. goes reverse on the other end 👀
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The Knicks, meanwhile, could use a backup center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein became a key player for the Knicks last season—especially with Mitchell Robinson appearing in just 31 games—averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, playing excellent defense.
As for other possible options at the backup 5, Begley noted that Precious Achiuwa is a possible target for the Nets:
Ian Begley @IanBegley
A few notes on the Knicks, Jazz, Walker Kessler, Precious Achiuwa, Mikal Bridges, the Nets and more here: pic.twitter.com/vnVoQcZ6HA
The Jazz have become an interesting team to monitor this offseason, as they are clearly in a rebuilding phase. That has made Lauri Markkanen a popular trade target for contenders who missed out on players like Bridges, Paul George and Dejounte Murray this offseason, though he remains with the Jazz for now and is eligible for an extension on Aug. 6.
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