Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis subject of trade discussions
— -- The New York Knicks have fielded several calls in recent days?from teams interested in trading for Kristaps Porzingis, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Teams in touch with the Knicks recently say the club has not ruled out the possibility of trading Porzingis.
The Vertical first reported that team president Phil Jackson was taking calls on potential Porzingis deals.
ESPN reported in April that several teams had called the Knicks about potential trades involving Porzingis. The group of teams to call the Knicks in recent days, per sources, include several with 2017 NBA draft picks higher than New York's. The Knicks have the eighth pick in Thursday's draft.
Porzingis skipped exit meetings with Jackson and general manager Steve Mills in April because of frustration over the dysfunction and drama surrounding the team. Neither the organization's front office nor coach Jeff Hornacek has been in touch with Porzingis since he missed the exit meeting, per sources.
Porzingis' brother, Janis Porzingis -- who also works for Andy Miller, Porzingis' primary agent -- reiterated Tuesday that Porzingis loves New York and wants to win there.
"Despite how the Knicks are treating their players, Kris wants to stay in New York," Janis Porzingis said. "He loves the city and he loves the fans and he wants to win with this team. If he's going to be traded, he's going to play out his contact and decide his future on his own."
Porzingis, 21, averaged?18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 2016-17, his second NBA season. The Knicks finished with a?31-51 record.
Jackson met with Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen recently, sources confirmed to ESPN. Markannen plays the same position as Porzingis.
Jackson's meeting with Markkanen was first reported by The Vertical.
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