The Knicks have interest in trading for Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler, but the cost could be steep.
SNY's Ian Begley reported on Tuesday that teams had offered two first-round picks to Utah in recent weeks and were rebuffed.
Begley added that the value of the first-rounders offered was not known. Specifically, it was not clear if there were protections attached.
Kessler -- who turns 23 on July 26 -- averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 23.3 minutes over 64 games (22 starts) as a second-year pro during the 2023-24 season. As a rookie with the Jazz in 2022-23, Kessler averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 23.0 minutes across 74 games (40 starts).
Elsewhere in the Knicks' pursuit to replace the departing Isaiah Hartenstein and add a backup behind the returning Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa remains worth monitoring.
"They have been in touch with Precious Achiuwa," Begley reported about the 24-year-old big man, who averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 24.2 minutes over 49 games (18 starts) with the Knicks this past season. "Achiuwa has drawn interest from several contenders. I believe he has a couple offers on the table there. Now let's see where Achiuwa goes in the next few days."