When he requested a trade from the New York Knicks last season, Kristaps Porzingis had no idea the Dallas Mavericks were in the mix to acquire him, as the Mavs weren't one of his preferred destinations at the time, according to Michael Scotto of Bleacher Report.
The Mavs inquired about Porzingis' availability last January. They were eager to get another star alongside Luka Doncic and were able to get a deal done with the Knicks to acquire KP on January 31, 2019.
The groundwork for that January hallway conversation began a year prior when the Mavericks inquired about Porzingis' availability, according to league sources. At the time, the Knicks made it clear he wasn't for sale. But if Porzingis wanted out down the line, the Knicks would conduct trade talks and keep Dallas in mind.
According to league sources, Porzingis' camp had no idea the Mavericks were in the mix to acquire the Latvian forward, and Dallas was not one of his preferred destinations at the time.
The Mavs gave Porzingis a five-year, $158.3 million deal this summer. The All-Star makes his return to New York on Thursday to face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
On the season for the Mavs, Porzingis is averaging 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from beyond the arc and 68.4 percent from the free-throw line.
Follow Us
Subscribe