The New York Knicks recently bolstered their frontcourt by trading with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns. However, Towns’ arrival has sparked speculation about Mitchell Robinson’s future with the team.
Reports suggest the Knicks might consider moving Robinson, who has struggled with injuries, and Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes has named the Utah Jazz as a potential trade partner. Hughes proposed that if the Knicks aim to reduce payroll and build depth, the Jazz could offer Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson or John Collins, along with future draft picks, in exchange for Robinson.
But would the Jazz be interested?
Robinson is undeniably talented when healthy, but he’s set to miss the first couple of months of the 2024-25 season due to ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Kessler has become a reliable part of Utah’s frontcourt, coming off a strong season with averages of 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game, while shooting 65.4 percent from the field. While Robinson may have a higher ceiling, Kessler is younger and has a cleaner injury record.
Additionally, the Jazz already have a crowded frontcourt with Kessler, Collins, young talents Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh, and Lauri Markkanen. Acquiring Robinson, given his injury issues, may not be necessary for Utah, especially considering he played only 31 games last season, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 24.8 minutes while shooting 57.5 percent.
