Mavs Reportedly Exploring Trade Interest in Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis in 2018
Kristaps Porzingis with Knicks blocking Lakers' Jordan Clarkson. Photo by Jevone Moore/Cal Sport Media/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

The Dallas Mavericks were expected to be among the top teams in the Western Conference when the 2020-21 NBA season tipped off. But after 30 games, the Mavs don’t even hold a playoff spot and are now considering moving their star center Kristaps Porzingis in order to improve their roster.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Dallas has already started exploring trades with Porzingis. They contacted several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, in recent days to see what they could get for the 25-year-old Latvian.

The Mavs’ organization, however, is publicly denying these reports. Team owner Mark Cuban and head coach Rick Carlisle both recently said that the team has no interest in parting ways with Porzingis.

“There’s no trade for Porzingis. There’s nothing that’s been explored,” said Carlisle ahead of Dallas’ 110-107 win against Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. “I know Mark’s denied it. I’m denying it. He’s a Maverick. We expect him to be here.”

Kristaps Porzingis has been putting up solid numbers this season as he is finding his way back on the court after last year’s knee injury. He has been averaging 20.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting a respectable 35.2 percent from the three-point range.

But the Mavs are reportedly not satisfied with these numbers and have a problem with Porzingis’ defensive efforts this season. He has been struggling to make a difference on that end of the court, which is one of the reasons why Dallas sits on a 15-15 record.

It remains to be seen whether the Mavericks will manage to find the right deal for Porzingis or decide to wait it out and see whether the combination of him and Luka Doncic can bring them success.

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.