Proposed blockbuster trade sends elite shot blocker to Knicks

The New York Knicks could be adding a new face to their starting five this offseason after falling to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. 

With the Eastern Conference seemingly wide open next season — following Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton during the 2025 playoffs — the Knicks may look to capitalize via the trade market this summer. 

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post compiled a mock trade that would land the Knicks a frontcourt upgrade in exchange for two bench pieces and draft picks.

Here’s Bondy’s proposed trade: 

Knicks receive: Walker Kessler and Kenyon Martin Jr. 

Jazz receive: Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride and unspecified draft capital

Kessler is an elite rim protector entering the final season of his team-friendly rookie contract. The Jazz have reportedly shown interest in moving the big man in the past, though they’d likely seek at least one first-round pick in any return.

Acquiring the 23-year-old would give New York a clear upgrade over Mitchell Robinson. Additionally, Kessler is set to become a restricted free agent after this season, giving New York an opportunity to retain him on a long-term deal. The addition of the Auburn product could also allow Karl-Anthony Towns to space the floor more consistently — he shot an extremely efficient 42 percent from downtown last season. 

Losing Robinson and McBride would impact the Knicks’ second unit, but the team would be taking a calculated risk on Martin, who averaged 12.7 points per game just three years ago. He has also shot an impressive 54.5 percent from the field over his five-year career.