The New York Knicks shook the NBA up with a blockbuster trade to land Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo on Saturday , establishing themselves as one of the premier contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The team still has minor holes to plug in their roster but is as well-equipped to dethrone the Boston Celtics as any other team in the NBA. With now-backup center Mitchell Robinson potentially finding his name on the trade block, the Knicks have enough assets left to make another major move.
The Utah Jazz have been stuck between being competitive and tanking since 2022. They have started the last two seasons off competitively before tanking post-February to maximize their Draft pick. Instead of leaving a potential tank for that late in the season, the Jazz could put itself in a position to maximize the stacked 2025 NBA Drfat if they trade two win-now players away.
A deal swapping Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson for picks, young players, and Mitchell Robinson might be the best way forward for both teams.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Walker Kessler, Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: Mitchell Robinson, Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, 2026 Second-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 Second-Round Pick (BOS)
This trade lands the Jazz two extremely interesting 2024 Draftees, with Dadiet in particular expected to have a high ceiling. Robinson would be a good stand-in center for the Jazz as a more experienced and polished version of Kessler, though he would find himself on the trade block or get a chance to rehabilitate his career in Utah.
The Knicks Add Two Win-Now Pieces To Make Themselves Stronger
The trades to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns this offseason have proven the Knicks' desire to compete as soon as possible. The franchise isn't waiting around for other Eastern teams to fortify their roster to make a run at overthrowing the Celtics, and making a third massive offseason trade to add Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson could give them a roster that could go head-to-head with any team in the NBA.
Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season, continuing to build his value as a towering interior defender. His lack of offensive versatility has caused the Jazz and Will Hardy to prefer more versatile options like John Collins at that position, but the Knicks have the perfect bench role for Walker.
With Towns super-charging the offense, Kessler could be a defense-only big man option who could rotate in place of Karl or even share the court with him.
Clarkson averaged 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the Jazz last season, adding a whole new level of on-ball playmaking to his score-heavy game. Clarkson is a proper combo guard now who could bring his Sixth Man of the Year talents to the Knicks in this deal. He could step in for Jalen Brunson or Mikal Bridges, as well as playing alongside either in the backcourt.
This deal does lose two young prospects that the Knicks have high hopes for, but neither could be considered an immediate contributor for the franchise in a season they're looking to win it all.
The Jazz Build For The Future With Two Intriguing Prospects
When you look at the Utah Jazz, it seems the team is only sure about long-term options at two positions. Lauri Markkanen was handed a massive 5-year, $238 million contract extension this summer while the franchise hopes to develop sophomore Keyontae George into a full-fledged starter. Taylor Hendricks has potential as a four-man but is behind Markkanen in that position. Outside of these players, all players could be had for the right price.
Tyler Kolek is coming into the NBA after averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals over 36 games at Marquette. The 23-year-old is being compared to T.J. McConnell by many. That skill set might take time to fully actualize on the Knicks, so it's best to send him to a team like the Jazz where he'll likely be guaranteed more minutes as a tangible long-term option. Kolek was the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Mitchell Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals last season. With two years and $27.2 million left on his contract, the Jazz could keep him around for a season to hope he boosts his value before trading him as a valuable expiring contract.
Pacome Dadiet is making his way over to the league from Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. The 19-year-old is an intriguing French prospect who some believe to have All-Star potential. While Kolek could contribute to the Jazz immediately, Dadiet might need a few years of seasoning before he's ready. Ultimately, the 6'7" swingman has a higher ceiling on both ends of the court if he manages to develop his game that far.
A Deal That Leaves Two Franchises Closer To Their Aims
The Knicks look dead set on becoming one of the premier contenders in the Eastern Conference. They likely would've challenged the Celtics in the Conference Finals last season if the team wasn't struck down by various injuries. That roster has already been improved multifold by additions like Towns and Bridges, alongside veteran bench guard Cameron Payne.
Adding Clarkson and Kessler will reinforce two crucial positions for the Knicks, with Clarkson giving them the scoring punch they will miss with Donte's departure and Kessler giving them an option for elite interior defense depending on matchups. Towns will run the show, but Kessler can be a majorly impactful contributor off the bench by fitting both without Towns and alongside him.
The Jazz add two players they can develop and generate a lot more value from a few seasons down the line. Whether that value comes through their contributions to the Jazz or what they receive in a trade, they've made a good bet on both of these players. Kolek won't peak as high as Dadiet, but he will be a phenomenal leader for the group alongside his veteran teammates.
I don't think this trade is realistic given the Jazz have placed a higher value on these players, but it's hard to see who will be giving them more than multiple second-round picks, a current contributor, and two future stars.
Related: Realistic Mock Trade Sees The Knicks Send Mitchell Robinson To The Lakers
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