That escalated relatively quickly. Fresh off reports that the New York Knicks believe that star forward Kristaps Porzingis wants to be traded comes this absolutely stunning news.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Dallas Mavericks are finalizing a blockbuster deal that would bring the Unicorn to Texas.
Let's try that again: Dallas is finalizing a deal to land Kristaps Porzingis, league sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/WacB71H1JW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
We’re not even too sure what to make of this development. But the idea of teaming Porzingis up with likely NBA Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic is all sorts of sexy for the Mavericks.
Sure Porzingis remains sidelined with a torn ACL. That doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s still among the best young players in the entire Association.
Dennis Smith Jr., Wes Matthews and DeAndre Jordan are headed from the Mavericks to New York in the trade.
The deal being close to be finalized between Dallas and New York is Kristaps Porzingis, Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr. for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wes Matthews, and a pick, per league sources.
The Knicks would also have to add one $1.5M player to make salaries work.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 31, 2019
Dallas has also reportedly agreed to take on the contracts of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee in order to help facilitate the deal.