A sticky situation between Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks could be an opportunity for the Charlotte Hornets to grab the rising star.
The Charlotte Hornets have been searching for a young star for years. Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly becoming frustrated with the New York Knicks‘ front office. The situation could lead to the 21-year old being dealt in a blockbuster trade this summer.
The promising power forward is unhappy with Phil Jackson. (Yahoo.com) He even went as far as to skip a meeting with the team. (ESPN.com) Even though he’s said that he wants to be with the Knicks going forward, there is a clear rift between the two sides.
Even if they deny it, that automatically puts Porzingis on the trade market. Every team, including the Hornets, should be calling New York to ask about Kristaps’ availability. While the price should be high for the rising star, it could be reduced due to the fact that he’s having problems with management.
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The 7’3 Latvian averaged 18.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, 2.0 blocks per game and 1.5 assists per game this past season. He made 66 appearances this year for New York while shooting 45% from the field, 35.7% from three and 78.6% from the free throw line. Kristaps is one of the most promising prospects in the entire league.
He was selected with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Knicks. Porzingis is supposed to be the future of the franchise for New York but if they aren’t going to keep him happy, it is only a matter of time before he wants out. They should be looking to sell high while they can before he walks in a few years.
Given his skill set, Kristaps would fit perfectly into just about any team’s system and that goes for Steve Clifford and the Hornets as well. This trade might seem like a dream scenario but it is now more realistic than ever considering the circumstances. Also, Charlotte needs to add talent and Porzingis would give them a promising player to build around going forward.
A trade would have to involve Frank Kaminsky and Treveon Graham but the real question is how many picks would it take to pry Porzingis from the Knicks? It could take as many as two or even three first round picks. Although, if the Hornets wanted to bring Courtney Lee back to Charlotte, they could trade Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Marvin Williams and Kaminsky to New York in exchange for KP and Lee.
Acquiring Porzingis would allow Williams to either move to the small forward spot or to the bench while Kristaps could start alongside Cody Zeller. Or he could slide into Marvin’s spot while MKG stays at the three. Even at 7’3, the Knicks’ big man has mainly been used as a power forward due to his length and speed. That shouldn’t change until he puts on more muscle.
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If the Hornets could somehow work out a deal for Kristaps, it would not only be one of the biggest trades of the season but one of the biggest in franchise history. Charlotte’s had trouble luring free agents and they haven’t had the best luck in the draft so getting a rising star like Porzingis would be huge. If his problems with the Knicks continue, trade rumors will only grow.