The New York Knicks once again failed in their attempt to make the NBA playoffs. Despite the promise of Kristaps Porzingis and the improvement of Carmelo Anthony, the basketball team proved to be no match to the likes of Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls; Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat; and Jeremy Lin and Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets. Although Anthony has a close relationship with LeBron James, the New York Knicks are nowhere near the caliber of the reigning Cleveland Cavaliers - a team that actually struggles with chemistry problems courtesy of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. With the NBA playoffs rut they are stuck in, what will the New York Knicks do to not be in the same place next season?
Rumors are rife that the New York Knicks are looking into a Porzingis NBA trade. With the potential the rookie exhibited this season, a number of basketball teams are extremely interested in signing him. The list of possible trade partners includes the San Antonio Spurs where he can team up with Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The Los Angeles Lakers are also rumored to be looking into a Porzingis trade. The speculations came after Kobe Bryant himself praised the New York Knicks rookie and called his deal with the team "brilliant."
Does this mean the Porzingis trade will push through soon? Since Anthony has been itching to go to a playoffs team, the New York Knicks might be pressured to add players capable of matching the NBA All-Star caliber of the veteran. Moreover, Porzingis remains a rookie in the league. Anthony might no longer be able to wait longer to watch the 20-year-old grow into his role in the team.
"No - because the goal was to make it to the playoffs and we didn't do that," said Porzingis when asked if he feels fulfilled this NBA season in light of his international fame. He added, "From that perspective, it's not what I wanted to achieve, but I think it was really good season for me to learn. This is nothing really to rush, but I'd like to come back the last few games and finish the season. I wanted to play all 82. But that didn't happen.''
With Porzingis' injuries, more questions were posed regarding his future. Although the rookie is eager to go back in the hardwood court, the concerns with his health block the possibility of reuniting with Anthony. Will this be the end of the line for Porzingis?
"I really want to come back and play the last few games. It's nothing we need to rush. I'll make sure I'm 100 percent, then I'll be back," shared Porzingis of his injuries. He added, "I'm young, and I always want to be on the floor. At the same time, I want to be smart about this. Nothing really to gain the last few games but I think I'll be back for the last two, three games hopefully. But it's not my decision at the end of the day."
With the Kevin Durant free agency coming up and a lot of other players, such as Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets, getting out of their contracts soon, will the New York Knicks choose to release Kristaps Porzingis? Will a Porzingis trade benefit the Carmelo Anthony team?
