The Cleveland Cavaliers are very interested in acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks. But according to some sources in New York, that doesnt’ seem very likely.
Newsday reported on Wednesday that the Knicks were unwilling to include Porzingis in trade talks for disgruntled Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving. Though Cleveland would love to get Porzingis back in the deal, that’s not something the Knicks appear willing to let happen at this point.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that the Cavaliers may be preparing for a future without LeBron James and have Porzingis as a “primary” target in trade scenarios for Irving. The Cavaliers appear focused on getting back a young star in return for Irving, the report said.
“[Knicks president] Steve Mills and [Knicks general manager] Scott Perry on the record were very clear that Kristaps was part of the future,’’ the source said in reference to comments made last month by both executives. “In all the discussions since then — there were other rumors before that Cleveland would want Kristaps — and it didn’t seem that [the Knicks] were interested at all in a conversation.’’
Porzingis himself is reportedly disgruntled with the Knicks, or at least partially gruntled. The two sides haven’t communicated much after the forward skipped his exit interview with then-team president Phil Jackson. Current president Steve Mills, though, assures everyone that the Knicks and Porzingis are fine. Juuuust fine.
“Kristaps and I have a hectic texting relationship,” Mills said. “I continue to text Kristaps over the summer and he and I have spoken two or three times over the summer.”
It sounds like the Knicks think they can salvage that relationship and figure out a way foward. Cleveland may hope to do the same with Irving, but at this point that seems much less likely.
