There has been much buzz around the league surrounding the sudden availability of New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis on the trade market.
According to the Mike Fisher of Dallasbasketball.com, the Dallas Mavericks have presented an offer to the Knicks for the 21-year-old ahead of the 2017 NBA Draft on Thursday night.
But on Wednesday night, on the eve of the NBA Draft, sources tell DallasBasketball.com that the Mavs engaged in conversations with the Knicks centering on ways to acquire Porzingis, 21, billed as the future of the Knicks franchise after two seasons during which the 7-foot-3 forward averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
It is likely that Mavericks' trade offer may have centered around the ninth overall pick in this year's draft as the Knicks are looking to acquire additional first-round selections. However, Jackson apparently didn't bite on the offer for the Latvian forward as things didn't progress very far in the discussions.
This falls in line with the reports that the Knicks have been shopping around Porzingis to each of the teams holding a pick in the top five of the draft order. Team president Phil Jackson on Wednesday had even acknowledged the organization was weighing its options with the mindset of whatever was best for their long-term outlook.
In just two seasons in the league, Porzingis has quickly become one of the most dynamic big men in the league behind his versatility on both ends of the floor. He is the first player in league history to record at least 1,500 points, 185 blocks, and 140 made 3-pointers through his first 100 career games. He is the only player in the league to post 110 made 3-pointers and 130 blocks in a single season.
At this stage of his career, Porzingis' value and potential far outweigh his rookie contract as he's headed into the third year where he will make just $4.5 million next season along with a $5.7 million team option for the 2018-19 season and a $7.9 million qualifying offer for the 2019-20 campaign.
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