The New York Knicks may really trade away their young, burgeoning superstar.
Multiple reports have indicated that the Knicks are currently fielding trade offers for Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian big man has had a strong first two seasons in the NBA but with commotion around the Knicks, including his missing an exit meeting with management, there has been wild speculation that the Knicks may trade away their future.
In fact, Phil Jackson admitted that the team has received phone calls about Porzingis, citing that exit interview as one of the reasons behind him listening to offers:
ICYMI: @PhilJackson11 with @AlTrautwig on @MSGNetworks talking about the No. 8 pick, Porzingis, Melo, & more. #Knicks pic.twitter.com/tQsOQNVX3x
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 22, 2017
According to Ian Begley of ESPN, the Knicks have had “substantive talks” with three teams about trading Porzingis. Only the Suns are specified:
Sources told ESPN on Tuesday that the Knicks had talks with each team positioned in the top five in the lottery trying to acquire both its pick and a young player with star potential for Porzingis. In particular, members of the organization have had recent conversations with the Phoenix Suns about a trade involving their No. 4 pick in Thursday’s draft, and New York has had substantive talks with at least two other teams who have called about Porzingis, sources said.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported earlier that the Knicks are targeting Kansas forward Josh Jackson in the draft if they are able to garner a top-five pick.
This all comes on the heels of another young star from the 2015 draft being traded, as the Lakers moved D’Angelo Russell for just a salary dump on Monday.
Begley also reports that the Knicks had preliminary discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder about a Porzingis trade but the Thunder are devoid of assets to get the unicorn. The Celtics have been another rumored destination as their need for a rim-protector and rebounder became apparent during the playoffs.
According to Shelburne, the Knicks are targeting a top-five pick and another young asset:
Generally speaking they asked for a the top-5 pick and a young player on a star track. https://t.co/wbh5xqKk5d
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 22, 2017
Porzingis’ brother recently said that the center wants to remain in New York despite what is becoming a very clear rift between him and management.
The Knicks have not done a lot of good in their front office for years now. Their biggest success has been drafting Porzingis whose combination of shooting and defense make him a unique and tantalizing prospect, likely to become a future star in the NBA. Trading him away for any reason (especially something as childish as an exit interview) would most likely be an awful mistake.
