Jazz send Simone Fontecchio to Pistons for Kevin Knox, pick

Field Level Media|published: Wed 7th February, 13:41 2024

Jan 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) dunks against Utah Jazz forwards Simone Fontecchio (16) and Lauri Markkanen (23) and John Collins (20) and guard Kris Dunn (11) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. credits: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz are sending forward Simone Fontecchio to the Detroit Pistons for former first-round draft pick Kevin Knox, a 2024 second-round pick and draft rights to Gabriele Procida, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Fontecchio, 28, is in his second NBA season, both with the Jazz.

In 50 games (34 starts) this season, he is averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists and shooting 39.1 percent from 3-point range.

The 6-foot-8 Italian began his pro career in Europe at 17, playing in leagues that included Lega Basket Serie A and the German Basketball Bundesliga.

Knox, 24, was the No. 9 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. The forward has appeared in 31 games (11 starts) this season, averaging 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 18.1 minutes.

The Pistons selected Procida with the No. 36 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 wing currently is playing in the Euroleague for Alba Berlin of Basketball Bundesliga and is averaging 8.7 points over 17.8 minutes in 23 games.

The Jazz, at 26-26, currently occupy 10th place and the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. The 6-43 Pistons have the worst record in the NBA.

—Field Level Media