In my opinion, the Knicks need to commit to an identity. Either offense or defense. Offense entails focusing on getting 3 and d wings to surround Kat at the 5 while defense entails getting more rim protecting centers to put Kat at the 4 almost full time.

This trade accomplishes defense, and here’s why I think each team may do it.

Knicks: already explained. Hart is extremely valuable and a better player than Kessler, but when he’s in the court teams ignore him offensively and he’s been at best an avg defender this year. Hart, a protected first that will turn into 2 high value seconds, and a young player in kolek is a lot to give up, but depth wise it’s a 1 for 1 swap. Kleber gives emergency depth and Knicks also free up money to sign someone w part of MLE.

Lakers: they need a center, this trade doesn’t not accomplish that. But this trade does get them more depth and an amazing rebounder, a guy that should thrive playing next to Luke and LeBron in fast breaks. They also only lose one first(can be protected if u want), so they should have enough cap space or draft capital to get a real center.

Jazz: pretty simple, walker will be up for contract soon. This trade gets them significant draft capital and a young player for Kessler who’s been great, but idk if the jazz want to commit 20+ mil a year to.

Since I’m a Knicks fan, if Knicks can add to this move by signing someone like Jake laravia and/or Malik Beasley to get some shooting/wing size, that would be amazing.