REPORT: Knicks avoided overpriced Walker Kessler before landing Towns

Turns out New York was really locked into landnig a bonafide starting center before the season.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New York Knicks made “multiple trade runs” at Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler before landing their blockbuster deal for Karl-Anthony Towns.

Among other potential trade targets, the oft-rumored Kessler seemed to be on the Knicks' radar from the get-go, but the Jazz’s sky-high demands in return for the youngster made New York give up on their efforts.

“Before coming to terms on a blockbuster swap with Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns mere days before the start of training camp, New York made multiple trade runs at Utah’s Walker Kessler to fill its well-chronicled void at center, league sources say.

“It is believed that Utah wanted at least two future first-round picks for Kessler.” — Marc Stein

The Knicks’ pursuit of Kessler isn’t surprising in any shape, way, or form, and it just confirms the front office’s mindset and goal to land some—any—big before the start of the season knowing Mitchell Robinson will miss a few months rehabbing.

With Isaiah Hartenstein packing his bags to hoop in Oklahoma City and Robinson’s slower-than-expected recovery from ankle surgery, this was just what everybody should have—and I’d say, was—expected.

“New York’s desire to acquire a front-line center only grew as the offseason wore on.

“The Knicks have provided no firm timetable on Robinson’s recovery timetable but it is presumed that he is likely sidelined until at least December.” — Marc Stein

Ultimately, the steep asking price of two first-round picks for Kessler proved too high, but this is just Danny Ainge at the helm of the Jazz so what could you expect?

At the end of the day, the Knicks came up with a trade package built around Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and sent it to Minnesota in exchange for Wolves superstar Karl-Anthony Towns.

Now that Kessler’s price is out, we’ll see if Utah ends up moving him for that two-1st-round package in case anyone is willing to pony up that thing, or if the Jazz have to lower their demand in order to get something in return for their big man—assuming they really want to get rid of him.