Jazz open to Kessler trade.
“According to multiple sources, Utah has already discussed Kessler in a trade, including a stalled discussion with the New York Knicks,” Pincus wrote. “He does not appear to be part of the team’s long-term plan.”
Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks for the Jazz last season, while shooting 65.4 percent from the field, 21.1 percent from three-point range and 60.2 percent from the free throw line. He will earn $2.9 million next season.
Kessler has career averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.4 blocks. He was selected to the 2022-23 All-Rookie First Team.
The Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, so they need a big man.
New York has already made one big trade this offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in seven games. Jalen Brunson signed an extension and OG Anunoby re-signed with New York as a free agent.
Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Knicks this summer. He left more than $113 million on the table by not signing an extension next year.
“I think about every decision I make and I’m completely comfortable with what I did,” Brunson told NBA reporters, via ESPN“Of course, I’m well off, me and my family are well off, so that’s the priority. But I want to win. I want to win here.”
Brunson will make $24.9 million next season. He averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Knicks in 2023-24 while shooting 47.9 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from three-point range and 84.7 percent from the free throw line.
“People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it all comes down to their actions,” Brunson said. “Obviously, that doesn’t guarantee we’re going to win a championship, right? I just want to do my part to help this team try to get one. So it’s all about the journey and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
