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.