The New York Knicks have been linked yet again to a seven-footer who will be coveted by many teams between now and February’s trade deadline.
On Thursday, FanSided’s Nicholas Chiarito suggested that the Knicks should make a deal for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
“Walker Kessler is one of the biggest trade targets for a lot of teams, but the Knicks have been interested since they lost Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency,” Chiarito said.
“A trade for Kessler would be centered around Mitchell Robinson, who has a similar playstyle but is not healthy. If he were acquired, Kessler instantly becomes the best defender the Knicks have. He would give the Knicks a different type of flexibility in their lineup.”
“The Knicks would (have) to include additional assets and probably a future first-round pick to get the Jazz to the table.”
“The Knicks current starting lineup would likely not change if they were to trade for Kessler. His minutes would not go down because Tom Thibodeau could have a double big lineup with him and Karl-Anthony Towns.”
“(Kessler) would immediately fix a big hole on the Knicks roster. Their big depth is not great, and Kessler adds to their rim protection and rebounding which has been subpar to start this season.”
With so many suitors lining up for Kessler, the Knicks might have to give up a lot to acquire him, including the first-round pick that Chiarito alluded to.
But with New York ready to win now, even overpaying for Kessler might be worth it.
