NBA Trade Rumors: Phil Jackson is open to trading Kristaps Porzingis

There is a growing perception around the league that Phil Jackson could be open to trading his star player, Kristaps Porzingis.

Would the Knicks be crazy enough to deal a franchise player like Kristaps Porzingis? With the Knicks being the epitome of dysfunction, team President Phil Jackson is apparently open to the idea of trading his young star. Given the souring relationship between the Knicks and Porzingis, it’s time to wonder what’s going on within the organization?

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical, teams around the league are preparing potential offers.

The turmoil within the Knicks relationship with Porzingis goes back a long way now. Kristaps first skipped the team’s exit meeting and headed straight to Latvia this summer. Janis Porzingis, Kristaps agent/brother, met with Phil Jackson but did not accomplish anything to solve their differences. It’s tough to examine why Phil Jackson appears to be more valuable than a young player like Porzingis. Shouldn’t the Knicks just fire Jackson to end the dysfunction?

Woj later added that New York has heavy interest in drafting Arizona big man Lauri Markkanen. A potential Markkanen pick could clear the way for Porzingis to potentially be dealt. The Knicks could opt for a point guard in the draft but it’s clear something is going on. Markkanen, 7-foot, has drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki heading into the draft process.

Teams possessing a ton of assets like the Celtics could be major players for his services. With the Celtics adding another lottery pick in the deal with the 76ers, Boston has the pieces to move on a deal. Any team would be lucky to add a talent like Porzingis. The question is whether Phil Jackson is foolish enough to trade him?

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Kristaps Porzingis averaged 18.1 points per game in his second NBA season. The 7-foot-3 Latvian is regarded as a future superstar in the league.