As much as New York Knicks fans don't want to hear this, it seems as though a Kristaps Porzingis trade is becoming more and more possible.
President phil jackson has been listening to other teams' offers in exchange for the Latvian star ahead of the 2017 NBA Draft. Although the price tag is said to be high, multiple teams have made offers including the Celtics and Suns. Jackson was reportedly trying to pursue Suns star, Devin Booker. Things seemed to die down until Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported late Wednesday, the night before the draft start, that the Knicks are still shopping Porzingis.
Knicks have made calls about Kristaps Porzingis, aiming for a top-four pick to get Josh Jackson. - @WojVerticalNBA https://t.co/zT5sHvQJGZ
— The Vertical (@TheVertical) June 22, 2017
Knicks are eyeing Kansas freshman
As Wojnarowski reported, the Knicks are looking to get a pick in the top four of the upcoming draft. Specifically, they have shown interest in Kansas guard Josh Jackson. Jackson averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season. Porzingis, on the other hand, was drafted fourth overall by Phil Jackson in 2015. The power forward has quickly become a fan-favorite in New York with many seeing him as the new face of the franchise. He averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks last season, his second in the NBA.
All because of skipped meetings?
The trade rumors reportedly started after Porzingis skipped his exit meetings back in April with Jackson and general manager Steve Mills. The 21-year-old was said to be frustrated with the drama and dysfunction surrounding the team, who finished with a 31-51 record. The season was filled with Carmelo Anthony trade talks and ended with Jackson not hiding his true thoughts on Anthony.
Anthony is still a Knick, for now, but Derrick Rose is most likely headed for free agency. Is trading Porzingis really in the Knicks' best interest?
On Kristaps, Phil said, "As much as we love this guiy, we have to do what's best for the club." Definitely bothered by blowing off meeting."
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) June 22, 2017
Phil Jackson held an interview Wednesday night on MSG Network where he discussed the current situation of his team.
ESPN sources reiterated that Jackson "expressed true surprise" that Porzingis did not show up to his exit meeting. Sure, it was wrong for Porzingis to not attend, but does he deserve to be traded because of it? The 7-foot-3 star has thrived in the New York spotlight in his two seasons so far. He's the type of player that Jackson can build a team around, not one to give to another team just as he's starting to shine.
"We're getting calls," Jackson said in the interview. "As much as we value Kristaps and what he's done for us, when a guy doesn't show up for an exit meeting, everybody starts speculating on the duration or movability from a club. So we've been getting calls and we're listening, but we're not intrigued yet at this level."
