Will the Mavericks Trade Kristaps Porzingis?

NEW YORK KNICKS

Kristaps Porzingis was the 4th pick in the 2015 NBA draft. This was an odd day for the Latvian as he got drafted by the New York Knicks, but was also booed. At the time, the Knicks needed a point guard, and many fans expected them to take Emmanuel Mudiay at this spot.

Fast forward to the 2015 season, KP proved why he was worth taking the risk. In 72 games, he put up 14.3 PPG, 7.3 REB, and 1.9 BLK. Two seasons later, he averaged 22.7 PPG. However, he had a tough time staying healthy due to a torn ACL.

His future in New York looked to be very grim as former Knicks President of Basketball Operations, Phil Jackson, looked to deal Porzingis by the deadline or upcoming offseason. KP was upset that the organization did not believe in him. KP demanded a trade, and the team granted his wish.

THE TRADE

Porzingis, along with guards Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, and Courtney Lee were in the deal to the Dallas Mavericks to clear cap space in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews, DeAndre Jordan, and a 2021 (unprotected) and 2023 (protected) first-round pick. 

Porzingis immediately signed a five-year extension of around 158 million dollars with the Dallas Mavericks.  

MAVS TENURE SO FAR

Porzingis was dubbed Doncic’s perfect running mate just six months ago when he earned second-team All-Bubble honors after averaging 30.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 38.1 percent from distance. He was playing spectacular in the first- round against the Los Angeles Clippers. A torn meniscus sidelined him for a very long time (Jan 13). 

He has currently played 17 games this season and has played very well when he’s on the court. 

The Knicks look like to be winning this deal as the Mavericks are currently in the ninth spot in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Knicks are currently 7th in the Eastern Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks are in a tough situation because if they do not make the playoffs, the Knicks have their pick. If they trade  Porzingis, they would be selling him for an absurdly low price.

The Mavs are known to be patient with the growth of their players and the relationship KP built with the team has been an important aspect to the team.

WHAT THE MAVS ARE LOOKING FOR

The Mavs trading away Seth Curry has no worked out for them. Josh Richardson has been inconsistent at times shooting. Even after drafting Tyler Bey and Josh Green, they are still searching to add more perimeter defense and shooting. 

Another trade they could look to trade for is a center. In that case, they may look for a big that could play along with Porzingis. Andre Drummond has been inactive as of late, and his trade value is not rising due to the emergence of Jarrett Allen.

The Cavs may way want to trade Drummond for Porzingis but the two sides may be too far apart in the negotiations. 

It is hard to say what the Mavs will do. There are reports out today stating that the Mavs owner is not pleased with these trade rumors. However, things can change quickly with the trade deadline a month away. All we can do is sit back and monitor the headlines to see if they trade Kristaps Porzingis.