Well, that escalated quickly.
Hours after meeting with (believed to be) franchise player Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks are putting the finishing touches on a deal that would send the 7-footer to the Dallas Mavericks.
In exchange for Porzingis, the Knicks will at least be getting back Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, and Wesley Matthews. It’s also possible the Knicks will receive a future first-round pick or other draft considerations but those details have yet to be confirmed.
Along with Porzingis, the Mavericks will also take on the contracts of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee as part of the six-players swap.
New York has agreed with Dallas on trade that includes Kristaps Porzingis, Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr., for Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr. and DeAndre Jordan, league sources tell ESPN. Players and agents are being notified of particulars. Deal may include more draft assets.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
Porzingis, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, is currently sidelined following ACL surgery and could be out for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, was averaging a career-best 22.7 points 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game before being lost with the injury last season.
With Hardaway, Lee, and Porzingis off of their books, the Knicks could have up to $74.6 million in projected salary cap space for next season. That amount would be enough to sign two players to max contracts.
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