After reports that Phil Jackson had made Kristaps Porzingis available, teams were all lining up for his services. So far, nobody is meeting the New York Knicks’ demands.
As soon as reports leaked out that Phil Jackson was listening to trade offers on the 21-year old budding superstar, teams and their front offices were lining up to trade their assets for him. Kristaps Porzingis has been a consummate professional — except skipping the team’s exit meetings — and an efficient scorer, rebounder and defensive player in the league.
Teams would love to have a 7-foot-3 scoring machine on their roster, but so far the New York Knicks’ demands are far too high. Per Adrian Wojanarowksi of The Vertical, the Knicks are asking for too much for Porzingis so far.
As Wojnarowski mentions, the most logical suitor for the 7-foot-3 Latvian are the Boston Celtics. They have a need at the position and have an endless amount of assets that would tempt Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks.
Reports have mentioned that Phil Jackson is in love with Josh Jackson and would love to have a top-four draft pick to select him. The Boston Celtics are currently slotted to draft at No. 3, so can Boston offer up a package that would bring Porzingis to Boston?
Danny Ainge is set to have seven first-round draft picks in the next three seasons. He should be able to part ways with a few of those and maybe throw in Marcus Smart to sweeten the pot. Jackson might not have any better offers for Porzingis. The 7-foot-3 star is definitely wanted by all the teams, but not many of them have numerous high draft picks, like Boston does to tempt New York.
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New York will continue to discuss with teams ahead of tonight’s NBA Draft to see if they want move Porzingis. There’s a small chance he does get moved — especially to the Boston Celtics. Let’s see if Porzingod wears a different jersey next season.