Kristaps Porzingis may very well be the future of the NBA. His incredible size mixed with his skill in shooting makes him a highly touted young player, ready to emerge as the league's next superstar. It is for this reason that many teams have been talking to the New York Knicks about a potential trade for the player, most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers (according to CBS sports).
A deal for Porzingis?
Kristaps Porzingis might be the most valuable player the Knicks have had in a long time. GM phil jackson was fired soon after tensions between himself and the player began. Many teams, including the Celtics, have exhausted every effort to get this young star.
But a deal for Porzingis would make even more sense for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving seems dedicated to the idea of leaving Cleveland, meaning the team needs another star to play with LeBron James. James likely will depart to LA after this coming season too, meaning Cleveland should be looking to the future to rebuild.
Porzingis would be the ultimate player for any team that is looking to be championship contenders in the future. It would be quite a move if Cleveland were able to move swiftly from the James era to the Porzingis era without skipping a beat.
Cleveland would likely have to take on Joakim Noah's tremendously large contract were a trade of Porzingis for Irving to occur.
Deal or no deal?
Since the firing of Phil Jackson, the Knicks franchise has seemingly become extremely aware of just how valuable Kristaps Porzingis is and eventually will be. The Knicks may be viewing him as the next king of the league, which is how some analysts seem to see him.
It is for this reason that the Knicks have made any trade involving Kristaps Porzingis a non-starter.
So no matter the trade offer, Porzingis is not going to be involved in any serious trade talks with any team.
Unless the Knicks are willing to make a serious exception, it is unlikely that the deal could be made. A deal of this caliber, including a proven superstar in Kyrie Irving and a future superstar in Kristaps Porzingis, would require some monumental trade discussions.
For the moment it does not seem as if the teams are close to a deal. Yet Porzingis, despite the firing of Phil Jackson, still has reportedly been distant from the franchise this offseason. His unstable relationship with the Knicks may offer some opportunity for the Cavaliers or another franchise to eventually pursue. As the gap between Porzingis and the Knicks widens, more teams will inquire about him will formidable trade offers.