NBA Trade Deadline 2016: 10 players who are off limits

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Dec 9, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

. Power Forward. New York Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis. 9. player. 27

Even though the New York Knicks are reeling and are five games back of the Charlotte Hornets for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, don’t look for a fire sale.

One huge part of the optimism surrounding the Knicks this season and beyond is the fantastic play of 7-foot-3 rookie Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis. Drafted No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by Phil Jackson, Porzingis went from being booed by the New York faithful on draft day to being the next star on the hardwood in the Big Apple.

While small forward Carmelo Anthony is already a star for the Knicks, the future is now with Porzingis, as he is arguably the best young building block any team in the Eastern Conference has entering the 2016 NBA All-Star.

There isn’t another seven footer that can handle the basketball or has the touch offensively to compare with Porzingis. Keep in mind the star rookie for the Knicks is only 20 years old. Porzingis seems to thrive playing in the crushing market that is New York City. While the Knicks could get a ton for him on the trade market, Porzingis is going to star at Madison Square Garden for the next several years. He isn’t going anywhere this NBA trade deadline.

Next: 8. Damian Lillard

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