Reports: Kristaps Porzingis has been medically cleared to return

Is this what Kristaps Porzingis meant when he said that the truth would come out?

Porzingis was introduced to the media on Monday by the Dallas Mavericks, days after they pulled off a shocking trade with the New York Knicks to acquire him. As the Knicks seemingly smeared him on his way out, Porzingis mostly kept his mouth shut, instead taking the high road on social media.

Now we’re hearing some significant news about Porzingis’ status that may have to do with his departure.

Dallas reporter Mike Fisher tweeted that Porzingis has been medically cleared to return from his torn ACL. He says Porzingis will sit out the rest of the season though to undergo a physical makeover.

I'm told there is no 'conspiratorial' reason for #Porzingis sitting out rest of #Mavs year. Nor is it about his knee, exactly. It's about a 'physical makeover' – getting his body stronger so future injuries are less likely.

— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) February 5, 2019

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban insists that keeping Porzingis out is not part of a strategy to tank this season.

The Knicks’ objectives seem to be different. New York is in full tank mode, and how they were going to handle Porzingis’ return was something he was concerned about. The New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy reported last week that Porzingis had been cleared but was concerned about how the Knicks would handle him.

Porzingis could still have a few months to play and contribute to the Mavericks, but they’re thinking long term with the big man. They’re prepared to offer him a major contract extension over the offseason without having him play in a game post-ACL surgery. It’s a risk they feel is worthwhile.