The New York Knicks’ quest to find a suitable replacement for the departed Isaiah Hartenstein has hit a significant hurdle, as the Utah Jazz have drastically raised their asking price for center Walker Kessler. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Jazz are now seeking two first-round picks for Kessler, doubling their initial demand of one first-rounder reported by SNY’s Ian Begley in early July.
The sharp increase in the Jazz’s asking price highlights the high regard in which Kessler is held. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Kessler ranked second in the league last season with 2.4 blocks per game, trailing only the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama. The 23-year-old, selected 22nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, also earned a spot on the All-NBA Rookie First Team and represented Team USA in the FIBA World Cup last year.
Buha speculates that Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, known for his strategic acumen in trade negotiations, is aiming to maximize value in any deal involving Kessler. The Knicks have been eyeing Kessler as a potential solution to fill the void left by Hartenstein, who signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in July.
In addition to Kessler, the Knicks have also explored the possibility of acquiring Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets. Richards, 26, has been another name linked to the Knicks’ search for a reliable center.
Meanwhile, the Knicks’ attempt to bolster their roster took another turn when they explored signing French Olympic standout Mathias Lessort. The 6-foot-9 center played a pivotal role in France’s gold medal run, but negotiations with the player did not come to fruition. Lessort, coming off a Euroleague title with Panathinaikos and a strong showing in the Euroleague First Team, will return to Panathinaikos for the final year of his contract.
On a different note, the Knicks made headlines with the return of Jacob Toppin on a two-way contract. Toppin, the younger brother of former Knicks lottery pick Obi Toppin, will join rookies Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar Jr. on a two-way deal. Toppin, who appeared in 17 G League games last season, will bring additional depth to the Knicks’ roster. His recent performance in the NBA Slam Dunk Competition also showcased his athleticism, although he did not advance to the final round.
As the Knicks navigate their offseason moves, the heightened price for Kessler and the unfulfilled pursuit of Lessort underscore the challenges they face in their efforts to strengthen their roster and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
