New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t played a game in nearly a year due to a torn ACL suffered early last February. He reportedly addressed his frustration with the team’s lack of direction in a meeting with management on Thursday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Reporting with @ZachLowe and @RamonaShelburne: In meeting with management today, Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis expressed his concern with the losing, franchise direction and an uncertainty that a culture is developing that will enable sustainable organizational success.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
After getting the impression following the meeting that the Latvian star would like to be traded, the Knicks have traded Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks:
New York is finalizing a deal to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
Shams Charania of The Athletic included the final details of the transaction. Tim Hardaway Jr, Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke are heading to Dallas with Porzingis. New York acquires Dennis Smith Jr, DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and a likely first-round pick in the deal:
Sources: Full players involved in Knicks/Mavericks deal:
Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, Trey Burke to Dallas.
Dennis Smith Jr., Wes Matthews, DeAndre Jordan and likely first-round draft pick compensation to New York.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2019
Porzingis will, however, inform the Mavericks of his intent to sign the qualifying offer in restricted free agency this summer, per Shams:
Sources: All-Star Kristaps Porzingis is planning to inform the Dallas Mavericks his intent is to sign the qualifying offer in restricted free agency this summer.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2019
Porzingis, an All-Star selection last season, now has an opportunity to form a commendable duo with rookie sensation Luka Doncic in Dallas. The Mavericks also bring in a pair of multiyear contracts in Hardaway Jr. and Lee, who can provide wing depth, and Trey Burke, who can fill the injured JJ Barea’s role.
New York acquires another young point guard in Dennis Smith Jr, expiring contracts in Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan, and add another first-round selection in this summer’s NBA Draft.
