Knicks and Lakers aim for one of the best future NBA centers

The New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, have shown interest in Walker Kessler, starting center for the Utah Jazz, to negotiate a possible trade, as reported by Marc Stein, a renowned NBA journalist.

The Jazz made it clear that the 23-year-old player would not be part of any negotiations during the season, denying any attempt to trade their '5'.

Kessler has averaged 11.4 points and 12.2 rebounds this season with the Jazz (16-57), along with having the league's best field goal percentage at 72.5%.

Kessler would fit perfectly with the Knicks as a backup center for Karl-Anthony Towns and complement the team's core alongside Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

With Kessler's potential at the center position, Towns would have the opportunity to shift to power forward, a position currently occupied by OG Anunoby, adding more depth to the frontcourt.

Reasons for Knicks and Lakers to sign Kessler

The Knicks are currently struggling, largely due to the absence of their star player Jalen Brunson due to injury. Nevertheless, it seems the point guard will be back in a few days and will be ready for the playoffs.

Furthermore, it is evident that the Lakers are in search of a center. The departure of Anthony Davis in the trade with Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks has left the California franchise without a reference inside player.

Kessler will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 after signing a four-year, $13.372 million contract.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Knicks y Lakers apuntan a uno de los mejores pívots del futuro de la NBA