NBA
Knicks and Mavericks finalized a trade sending Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski just dropped his first bomb before the trade deadline! The New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks finalized a deal that sends Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke to Dallas. In return, the Knicks receive Wesley Matthews, DeAndre Jordan, and Dennis Smith Jr, 2021 unprotected first-round pick, and 2023 protected first-round pick (1-10).
Knicks open up cap space for two max free agents in the summer
Today, Porzingis expressed in a meeting with the Knicks brass his displeasure with the direction of the Knicks and the losing culture currently surrounding the franchise. In other words, Porzingis intimated to management that he wants a trade. Knicks management succumbed to Porzingis’ demands, and at the same time, freed up cap space to possibly sign two max free agents in the summer. Matthews and Jordan are on expiring deals, while Smith Jr. is on a rookie contract.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Knicks possibly could have $74.6 million in projected cap space for next season. The Knicks may lose a prized asset in Porzingis but now have the cap space available to swing for the fences in free agency.
Dallas has a young core that should bring years of future success
For Dallas, Porzingis and rookie sensation Luka Doncic should bring success for years to come. Before suffering an ACL tear last season, in 48 games, Porzingis averaged 22.7 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game, and shot 43.9% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range. Porzingis was also one of the top shot blockers in the league, averaging 2.4 blocks per game. Also, Dallas is taking on additional salary in this deal. Hardaway Jr. currently has two years left on his contract ($18 million per year), and Lee has a year left on his contract ($12 million per year). Both players, and Burke, will provide the depth Dallas needs to compete in the tough Western Conference.
Both teams could be winners in this blockbuster deal
This deal seems to be a win for both teams. The Knicks free up cap space to become a major player in free agency. Also, the Mavericks secure their future with two young stars who are destined to make an impact. Both teams are also taking risks. There’s no guarantee a big name free agent is coming to New York in the summer. The concern for the Mavericks is the health of Porzingis. At the moment, there is uncertainty if Porzingis will return to form.
Currently, both the Knicks and the Mavericks needed to do something to improve their chances to compete in the future. One thing is for certain, more than likely Scott Perry wouldn’t have pulled the trigger on this trade if he didn’t believe a big name free agent is coming to New York.
This summer is going to be very interesting for the Knicks.
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Photo Credit
Bren Allen via Flickr
Written by Ryan Gayle
