The Boston Celtics are continuing to engage in talks with the New York Knicks for a potential Kristaps Porzingis trade, according the ESPN’s Marc Stein. Knicks president Phil Jackson has opened the phone lines for deals on Porzingis in search for a mix of top-four lottery pick and established players, potentially on track to become a star, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
NBA Trade Rumors: Kristaps Porzingis trade to Celtics is on the table, per report
The Knicks are asking for multiple first-round picks and an established young player. The Celtics could make that deal.
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The Knicks have reportedly asked for two first-round picks, including the Celtics’ No. 3 pick in this year’s draft, as well as promising rookie wing Jaylen Brown, per the New York Daily News’ Frank Isola. That asking price was too high for the Celtics, however, who will look to make a deal if Jackson comes down from his asking price.
Now, it appears the Celtics are looking to acquire a second lottery pick to entice Jackson into trading Porzingis. Boston has reportedly reached out to the Minnesota Timberwolves about their No. 7 pick.
New York has reportedly reached out to each team picking in the top-five of Thursday’s NBA draft in hopes of moving up to select Kansas forward Josh Jackson. The Phoenix Suns are picking fourth overall, and it is unlikely that the 76ers or Lakers trade their picks.
The Knicks currently hold the No. 8 pick and are expected to select a guard at that position.
Porzingis improved on his rookie season in 2017, averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game for the Knicks last year. But as New York tailspun to a 31-51 record to miss the playoffs for the 4th straight season, the 7’3” Latvian forward became frustrated with the direction of the franchise. The Knicks switched back to the Triangle Offense midseason, in a move that confused the roster and coaches from top to bottom.
Then Jackson made it known it would be better for the Knicks and All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony to move on from each other. That further disappointed Porzingis, who looked to Anthony as a mentor. Porzingis then skipped out on the end-of-the-season exit interview with Jackson, which seems to have infuriated the Knicks’ president.
It’s been an odd few days for a New York franchise that seems to have formed a disconnect with its lone beacon of hope for the future. But it appears that Jackson is ready to move on from Porzingis, if the right offer presents itself.
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