Anthony Davis may not be the only star big man who is hoping to be traded ahead of next Thursday’s deadline.
Kristaps Porzingis met with the New York Knicks on Thursday to discuss the direction of the team amid their 10-40 season, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that he left them with the impression that he would like to be traded. The Knicks are now expected to shop him ahead of the trade deadline.
Kristaps Porzingis left the Knicks with the impression that he prefers to be traded, league sources tell @ramonashelburne and me. Knicks are expected to commence discussions on moving him ahead of next Thursday's deadline.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
Porzingis has not appeared in a game this year as he recovers from an ACL injury. He is set to become a restricted free agent after the season, and he has said his preference would be to win in New York. However, the circumstances of his meeting with the team indicate he does not believe the Knicks are set up to do that in the near future.
For what it’s worth, there have been reports that the Knicks are a serious contender to acquire Davis. It’s possible the two superstars could end up swapping teams, though Davis’ agent said the five-time All-Star wants to go to a championship contender. The Knicks are not that right now, but they could try to sign one or more star free agents like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson this summer.
Davis appears to be prepared to try to force his way to one team in particular by refusing to sign a long-term extension with any others. It’s unclear if Porzingis has given the Knicks a list of preferred destinations.
