Boston Celtics may be just the team to pry Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks
Yup, you read that right. I firmly believe the Boston Celtics are going to try and test the trade waters for New York Knicks star center Kristaps Porzingis. Further than that, I think it would be the best thing for both franchises.
It’s no secret Porzingis isn’t happy with the Knicks franchise. Phil Jackson has gone absolutely power crazy. He’s made a rift in New York that started with Carmelo Anthony and now has made its way to their most valuable player.
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Just a few weeks ago there was several reports that Porzingis did not show up to an exit meeting because of his frustration with the front office. New York Daily News then reported that Phil Jackson met with Kristaps brother and agent to speak about the instance. The talks apparently made “no substantial progress” according to ESPN’s Ian Begley.
To make matters worse, the Knicks just fired assistant coach John Longstaff who was closest to Porzingis. Frank Isola of Daily News is close to the situation and recently commented on it.
"Phil Jackson sent Kristaps Porzingis the basketball equivalent of a Sicilian message by declining to retain assistant coach Josh Longstaff, who was Porzingis’ workout guy and confidant.Apparently, Phil can’t get to Porzingis so he hurt someone close to him. That isn’t Zen. That’s Tony Soprano.It’s also a very risky game Jackson is playing with Porzingis, the future of the club. The relationship between the second-year forward and the Knicks is on the rocks. This makes things worse, not better."
This makes one ask themselves, is Phil Jackson trying to drive Porzingis out of New York? And if so, where will Porzingis end up? The answer may be the Celtics.
It’s well documented the Celtics need a center and Porzingis is arguably the best young center in the league. The 7’3 big man averaged 18.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game this past season. If Boston were to add them to their squad he could immediately start next to Al Horford to form one of the deadliest front courts in basketball. Both big men would be able to space the floor on offense allowing Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart to attack the rim. Also, the two would provide the Celtics with a powerful defensive front court.
A trade for Porzingis would likely cost the Celtics their first overall selection this year and possibly a player like Jae Crowder. A trade like this would give the Knicks a replacement for Anthony and would allow them to go full rebuild by selecting either Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball first overall. Then they would be able to use their 8th pick in the draft to acquire a player to try and replace Porzingis like Jonathan Isaac.
This trade makes a lot of sense for both teams as it satisfies needs for each. The Knicks begin their total rebuild, while the Celtics get a young big man for the future. The only hold up would be if Boston feels like Fultz is a sure-fire superstar and not worth the offer.
Personally, I feel that this would be the only trade that the Celtics would be willing to make for their 2017 first overall selection. Players like Jimmy Butler and Paul George are both 6 years older than Porzingis and need the ball in their hands to play effectively. That won’t jell with Thomas’ playing style. Porzingis is effective both with and without the ball which is evident because of his time playing next to ball-hog Carmelo Anthony.
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Whether the trade is made or not, it’s just a good feeling to know the Celtics have the assets to go after players like Kristaps Porzingis.