In a trade involving Dennis Smith Jr. and DeAndre Jordan of the Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis is going to Dallas. (Reuters/Wendell Cruz)
The New York Knicks had their reservations about Kristaps Porzingis’ sincere desire to play for the team.
They claim he made it apparent on Thursday that he didn’t.
Following that, they made the decision to move the All-Star forward, who was regarded as one of their most important players going forward.Knicks President Steve Mills stated, “When he came in today, it was clear to us that it was time to pull the trigger on something.”
In addition to receiving two future first-round draft picks and maybe enough space to sign two elite free agents this summer, New York acquired two top free agents in the deal for seven players from the Dallas Mavericks.
Following a tear to his left ACL, Porzingis has been out of action for almost a year. The Knicks just announced that he would go through testing in the middle of February, which may have an impact on his ability to play this season.
If that happens, it will be in Dallas, where he and rookie Luka Doncic can create an exciting foreign frontcourt. Both were top-five picks when they entered the NBA, having played professionally in Spain.
“He can shoot, rebound, and he’s big.” Doncic, who attended the Mavericks’ game in Detroit with them, said, “He can do a lot of things.” “I think he can be one of the best players in this league.”
In exchange for guards Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, and Courtney Lee, the Knicks received Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, and Wesley Matthews. Scott Perry, general manager of New York, stated that the Knicks would receive one unprotected pick in 2023 and one additional pick in 2024.
Mills remarked, “We think we made the right decision.” “You don’t want to commit a mistake while considering how you want to develop your team over time.
