Kristaps Porzingis may not be long for New York as Knicks president Phil Jackson is considering trading the 7-foot-3 Latvian and has been fielding trade calls ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft, according to multiple reports.
Porzingis, 21, has not been in contact with anybody within the Knicks' front office since the end of the season. He skipped exit meetings with Jackson and the team due to his frustration with the Knicks' dysfunction.
The former fourth-overall draft pick in 2015 has averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks over 138 games in his first two seasons with the Knicks. Last season, Porzingis averaged a career-high 18.1 points, 7.2 boards and two blocks in 66 contests.
New York missed the playoffs after going 31-51 and finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Porzingis' brother, Janis, who works for Porzingis' primary agent Andy Miller, reiterated last week the forward's desire to remain in New York.
"Despite how the Knicks are treating their players, Kris wants to stay in New York," Janis Porzingis said via ESPN. "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."
If Jackson decides to trade Porzingis, he is eyeing Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen as a possible replacement. Jackson had dinner with Markkanen on Monday night in New York and is considering drafting him with the Knicks' No. 8 overall pick on Thursday, The Vertical reports.
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