As of the beginning of the writing of this post, this deal has not been finalized. However it appears that in the near future Kristaps Porzingis will be a Dallas Maverick, even if he doesn't see the court this season due to injury. Here is the gist of the deal as it is currently being reported:
| The Mavericks will get: | The Knicks will get: |
| Kristaps Porzingis | DeAndre Jordan |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | Wesley Matthews |
| Courtney Lee | Dennis Smith Jr. |
| | First-Round Draft Pick |
LOSERS
Hard to believe that for the last couple of seasons DeAndre Jordan was one of the biggest names in free agency. Now after a 'disappointing' season with the Mavs (where he averaged 14 rebounds!) he is going to the Knicks in a league that is becoming increasingly unkind to 'traditional' bigmen, despite their defensive numbers. In other words when DeAndre becomes a free agent this coming offseason, there isn't likely to be as much interest in his services as he may desire.
When Wesley Matthews went to the Mavericks from Portland, he seemed like an ideal fit, which is why he got big money. Since then he has dealt with injuries and an increasingly-unimportant role with the team. In other words his name hasn't really been in headlines for the last couple of years, and he would really have to represent as a Knick to get his status back as a premiere player. However from the looks of things the Knicks will buy him out before the upcoming trade deadline, which is about a week from now, and he stands the chance of signing with a contender and having an increased opportunity to shine.
WINNERS
All three of the players that the Dallas Mavericks have picked up will potentially fit well alongside their new star, Luka Doncic.
Earlier this month I was reading something to the effect of the Knicks deciding not to play Kristaps Porzingis this entire season and instead preserving him for next, which reportedly he wasn't too thrilled about. Well I'm sure the Mavs will let him play this season, if even only the log a few experience minutes with Luka, despite the fact they likely won't make the Playoffs.
This past offseason Tim Hardaway Jr. was referred to as an integral part of the Knicks' future. But he has a much better chance of actually winning games as a Mav.
Finally there's Courtney Lee, who was spoken well of a year or two ago after becoming a Knick but has done absolutely jackshit this season.
The Mavs and Dennis Smith Jr. recently had some beef after they tried to trade him and failed. Now he is coming to the Knicks where he will likely get more burn, and his presence will make up for what some perceive as a mistake by the New York Knicks for bypassing him in the 2017 draft. In others words actually winning right now is likely less important to Smith than stability, regular playing time and building up his personal brand.
CONCLUSION
The greatest benefit from this deal from the Knicks' perspective is that they will be going into next offseason with an expected $73 million to chase highly-desirable free agents such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But KD isn't coming over only he is going to be content with losing (as in not winning a Championship) for the rest of his career. And even Irving, as much as he may want to be a Knick, is iffy if for instance the Celtics make it to the Championship this season. But that being said the Knicks are probably the only organization in the NBA stupid enough to give up Porzingis for the prosepct of signing Kyrie Irving in the first place. Like if they don't get the highly-coveted Zion Williamson in the upcoming draft, exactly who else do they have on their roster to attract other players, especially if DeAndre Jordan bounces?
As far as the Mavs are concerned, they're doing what they can to get the best European player since Dirk Notwikzi. Since that title may already belong to the Nuggests' Nikola Jokic, they're going to go one better and get the two next-best European players. Finally Nowitzki can retire in peace. Hopefully we'll be seeing a Doncic-Porzingis pairing for many years to come.
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