The New York Knicks reportedly targeted a standout Utah Jazz center earlier this season, but the franchise failed to complete a deal before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

In the summer, the Knicks could redirect their attention to the third-year stud and give Karl-Anthony Towns an ideal low post partner.

“New York could pivot its attention to Kessler (again), but Utah will determine his availability,” Daily Knicks’ Jordanna Clark wrote Monday.

“The Jazz made the easy decision to pick up his $4.9 million team option for 2025-26. He will be extension-eligible this summer, so if Utah doesn’t want to pay up, he could be on the move.”

“As important as Mitch (Mitchell Robinson) is when he’s on the court, the Knicks need to consider the future.”

“The front office has set up New York financially in the coming years, and trading for Kessler would be another key move. The 23-year-old is one of the best young bigs in the league, and he’d fit in well in New York.”

There’s a reason why Kessler had numerous suitors during the trade season. As the most efficient low post player in the league, Kessler excels while rolling to the rim in pick-and-roll situations and preventing opponents from fronting him on either block.

Additionally, the Auburn product’s high-level shot-blocking instincts and defensive rebounding chops allow him to impact contests on both ends of the court positively.

Kessler averages 11.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game and shoots 72.5% from the field on the lowly 15-45 Jazz.

With the Jazz appearing set on developing Kessler and getting the most out of his alluring skill set, it’ll be challenging for New York to steal him from Utah.

Still, with Robinson’s unreliability lately, the Knicks should attempt to pry the future All-Star away from the Jazz in free agency.

If the New York Knicks manage to land Walker Kessler in free agency, pairing him with Karl-Anthony Towns could create a dynamic frontcourt with a perfect blend of offense and defense. Towns, known for his elite scoring ability and three-point shooting, would thrive alongside Kessler, a defensive anchor who excels at rim protection and rebounding. This combination would allow Towns to stretch the floor and focus on his offensive strengths, while Kessler takes on the dirty work in the paint, shutting down opposing big men.

Defensively, Kessler’s shot-blocking ability would cover for Towns’ weaknesses on that end of the floor, making the Knicks’ interior defense much tougher to break down. Towns has struggled in defensive matchups against dominant centers, but Kessler’s presence would take the pressure off him, allowing him to focus more on his scoring and playmaking. Their contrasting skill sets could complement each other well, giving the Knicks a balanced and versatile frontcourt that can adapt to different styles of play.

On offense, Kessler’s ability to set hard screens and roll to the basket would open up opportunities for Towns to operate as a playmaker. With Towns spacing the floor and Kessler finishing lobs and putbacks, the Knicks could have one of the most effective inside-out combinations in the league. If the chemistry clicks, this duo could provide New York with a dominant paint presence and a legitimate threat to contend in the Eastern Conference.