The Phoenix Suns reportedly offered the New York Knicks multiple picks and a young player for Kristaps Porzingis before the 2017 NBA Draft.
According to Josh Gambadoro of ArizonaSports.com, the Suns offered their fourth overall pick in 2017 — which turned out to be small forward Josh Jackson — both of their first-round picks (2018 and 2021) which they acquired from the Miami Heat, and a young player for power forward Kristaps Porzingis.
The Knicks, however, declined the offer.
Reports that Suns said no to a Porzingis for Josh Jackson swap is inaccurate. What did happen was the Suns offered New York the 4th overall pick, both Miami first-round picks and a young player for Porzingis and the Knicks said NO.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 1, 2019
The Suns drafted Josh Jackson with the fourth pick in the 2017 Draft out of the University of Kansas. The 21-year-old is averaging 10.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season for Phoenix while shooting 40.2 percent from the floor, 29.6 percent from beyond the arc and 67.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Jackson is very athletic, but his jump shot needs a lot of work.
Phoenix is trying to surround star shooting guard Devin Booker with more talent. Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis back then would have been huge, but the Knicks weren't interested in what the Suns had to offer for KP.
New York recently sent Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for veteran center DeAndre Jordan, small forward Wesley Matthews, second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr., a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2023 first-round pick (top-10 protected).
Porzingis is still recovering from the ACL tear he suffered last season. It is unknown when he is going to return to the court. The 7-footer will become a restricted free agent this summer.
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