The New York Knicks have reportedly shown interest in Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler as they look for frontcourt depth.
Kessler will become a restricted free agent this summer and would make an easy target for trade, potentially offering draft capital or younger talent as potential rewards.
In this article, we will discuss the high lights or top players lists of New York Knicks Trade Rumors.
As of January 29, 2025, the New York Knicks are involved in several trade discussions and rumors as the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 6. Below is a table summarizing the key players linked to the Knicks in these rumors:
Player | Current Team | Position | Trade Status |
---|---|---|---|
Walker Kessler | Utah Jazz | Center | The Knicks have shown interest in Kessler, but he is considered nearly untouchable by the Jazz. |
Jericho Sims | New York Knicks | Center | The Knicks are gauging the trade market for Sims, especially with Mitchell Robinson’s return from injury. nypost.com |
Nick Richards | Phoenix Suns | Center | Richards was a potential target for the Knicks before being acquired by the Suns from the Hornets. |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | Forward | Despite speculation, the Knicks are unlikely to pursue a trade for Antetokounmpo due to a lack of assets. |
These developments indicate the Knicks’ active involvement in the trade market, focusing on strengthening their roster, particularly in the frontcourt.
Mitchell Robinson
With just days remaining until the NBA trade deadline, New York Knicks are looking to bolster their frontcourt. Mitchell Robinson continues his recovery from foot surgery while New York looks for a center upgrade. It is unlikely New York will make major waves this week’s trade market but several smaller moves can help strengthen depth within their squad.
One solution would be bringing in an experienced center, and Boban Marjanovic of Los Angeles Clippers could be just the ticket. Marjanovic has been an effective contributor off of the bench and would provide needed size and length in their interior rotation while also possessing strong defensive abilities and being an adept rebounder.
Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz could also provide the Knicks with an anchor player capable of blocking 2.4 per game while shooting 73.3 percent from the field, as he averages 2.4 blocks per game while contributing reliable lob threats alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson.
Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers could also be an asset. Though Turner has struggled this season, he can fill in for starters like Karl-Anthony Towns when necessary. Additionally, Turner offers good defensive capabilities, as well as shooting touch. Plus, he can switch positions between power forward and small forward when necessary.
As the NBA trade deadline looms closer, the New York Knicks must decide if Mitchell Robinson will remain on their roster or not. Robinson has been limited by a foot injury but should return early or mid-February; with Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukporti currently struggling, Robinson could prove invaluable if healthy; however, they cannot wait for Robinson’s return before making their decision; trading him may make sense given how this could open up opportunities in the buyout market to add second-tier center players to the roster
Jericho Sims
Jericho Sims has seen his playing time diminish drastically this season with the New York Knicks. After starting off as their backup center behind Karl-Anthony Towns, Sims is no longer even in regular rotation since Precious Achiuwa returned from injury. On Monday night against Detroit he was even left off altogether; Stefan Bondy of the New York Post speculates that they may even be actively looking to trade him away.
Sims’ fate on this team remains uncertain, though his situation could hinge on the speed with which Mitchell Robinson can return from an ankle injury he sustained earlier this season. While Robinson should return soon enough for practice, the rookie may be sidelined longer.
Sims’ $2.1 million deal expires next year and it seems unlikely he’ll be re-signed by the Knicks this summer. Though a good rim protector, Sims hasn’t shown signs of progression that fans expect. Trading him to gain more frontcourt depth could make sense for New York if they want to bolster their roster without overpaying an unrestricted free agent.
Pelicans have been reported as one of several teams interested in Sims, and may be able to afford him. But the Knicks likely wouldn’t just hand him off so easily; they may require something of value such as a second-round draft pick or Landry Shamet or Precious Achiuwa in exchange.
Brooklyn Nets have also expressed an interest in signing Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, they must decide how much they’re willing to pay him. Meanwhile, Giannis’ other options at center include rookies Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet and Ariel Hukporti but these have yet to make the team’s rotation. Thibodeau has long been known for being slow to accept young players, which could limit the minutes played by these prospects unless the Knicks can acquire more win-now pieces at the trade deadline. If the front office wants to increase their chances of landing a superstar this season, then moving some underperforming veterans could help increase chances. The trade deadline is February 6 and this article will be updated as necessary; click here for live updates of what’s happening now.
Kyle O’Quinn
The New York Knicks trade deadline is fast approaching, and if they want to remain competitive this season they must make significant moves before then. Although there have been moments of brilliance this season for them they still lack championship aspirations; to take their next steps forward they need to add depth through improved player acquisition as well as acquire a center.
The Knicks need an experienced presence in their frontcourt, and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler would make an ideal addition. Versatile big man, Kessler can play multiple positions while boasting solid three-point shooting skills and is known for being an effective three-point shooter – perfect to help match up against top Eastern Conference teams like Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kessler was selected 19th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by Orlando Magic with pick 19 in Round Two, representing 19th pick of Round II of 2012. Over his eight-year NBA career he represented both Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks; boasting averages of 5.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game over that timeframe.
After being released by the Magic, KOQ signed a multi-year contract with the Knicks in 2015. Although his first year began slowly, he eventually made strides towards improving throughout the season – backing up both Kristaps Porzingis and Enes Kanter; producing some standout performances towards the latter half of 2015.
However, in his second season with the club he struggled to produce at his previous levels due to injuries and limited playing time. After eventually being sent to Fenerbahce of Turkey’s Super League in January 2021 and doing well in his limited role there, he returned as part of their roster in 2021 – becoming an asset off the bench while adding defensive strength when necessary – the Knicks should consider trading for him if they want to improve their depth and make an aggressive run at playoff contention.
Isaiah Hartenstein
The Knicks had high hopes of improving their starting lineup this season by keeping Isaiah Hartenstein, who played an integral part in last season’s impressive turnaround. Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed when Hartenstein signed with Oklahoma City Thunder on a four-year, $72.5 million contract and left their frontcourt unbalanced, particularly considering OG Anunoby was set to become free agent soon and they already committed over $27 million towards Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims until 2023-24.
Hartenstein had the option to stay with the Knicks, where his salary would have remained the same, yet decided instead to test out the open market where he felt he might find better terms. Hartenstein wanted a regular starting job, which he accomplished by joining Thunder.
After losing Hartenstein, the Knicks will have several options at center – Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze is an intriguing young option who has shown glimpses of becoming an NBA rotation regular and 2022 first round pick Precious Achiuwa can serve both functions; both would struggle to replicate his defensive prowess, intimidating shot blocking capabilities, and overall presence around the rim.
Walker Kessler of Utah Jazz was an excellent back up for Hartenstein last season and could provide them with another option at center. According to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype, New York City may look into trading for him from them.
Kessler would provide New York with an invaluable asset, particularly given their limited wing depth and need for someone who can both shoot and facilitate in the frontcourt. At 6-foot-8 forward Kessler boasts a career 36.9% three-point shooting rate – something he would do well off Jalen Brunson’s drives.
However, due to their busy offseason of signing Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby and finding an impact replacement for Robinson, the Knicks are unlikely to make any major moves at center this offseason. Even if they did desire making such moves, it may prove difficult offering Godfather offers for Hartenstein; his services could easily go elsewhere to teams with more cap space that are looking for rebounding help (Oklahoma City or Orlando) or defensive help (Sacramento). Thus leaving them dependent upon developing youngsters for some relief relief at center.
Leave a Reply