The Knicks Trade Kristaps Porzingis to Mavericks

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

While everyone has been occupied with the news of Anthony Davis and his trade request, a huge deal was being orchestrated in the shadows. New York Knicks decided to trade their franchise star Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a package that centred on second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr. and two future first rounders.

Besides Porzingis, the Knicks also sent some salary dumps in Trey Burke, Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. while receiving Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan’s expiring contracts from the Mavs.

The trade was confirmed on Thursday by Knicks’ general manager Scott Perry.

“As is standard for this time of year, we were exploring various options on potential trades,” – said Perry in a statement. “Considering the uncertainty regarding Kristaps’ free agent status and his request today to be traded, we made a trade that we are confident improves the franchise. We thank Kristaps, Tim, Courtney and Trey for their contributions and wish them all the best.”

This trade came after Kristaps Porzingis had a meeting with Knicks’ front office and expressed his dissatisfaction with some of the decision making and the fact that the team is once again one among the league’s worse. Given the fact that Porzingis will be a restricted free agent this summer, New York though this was the best time to act and get something in return for the 23-year-old All-Star. They also wanted to clear cap space so they can pursue free-agent stars in the offseason.

Dallas, on the other hand, is hoping to sell Porzingis on the possibility of playing with another highly touted European star in Luka Doncic, who is the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, and convince him to extend his contract.

Kristaps Porzingis has been sidelined for almost a year now, having torn his ACL in February 2018. Before going down with the injury, he received his first All-Star selection. 

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