By Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK, NY (Eagle News) – It is news more colder than Thursday’s frigid New York weather. A trade that no one saw coming and moreso, shocking to many beloved New York Knicks fans as the ‘unicorn’ will no longer create magic at the world’s famous arena in a blue and orange uniform.
The Knicks organization made a surprising move by dealing All-Star Forward Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews and two future first-round draft picks.
News of the trade broke out on social media Thursday afternoon as reported by ESPN columnist, Adrian Wojciechowski.
The 23-year old met with Knicks President Steve Mills, leaving the impression that he wished to be traded. The Knicks made no hesitations and decided to aim at rebuilding. The team released this statement on their website:
“As is standard for this time of year, we were exploring various options on potential trades,” said Scott Perry, General Manager of the New York Knicks. “Considering the uncertainty regarding Kristaps’ free agent status and his request today to be traded, we made a trade that we are confident improves the franchise. We thank Kristaps, Tim, Courtney and Trey for their contributions and wish them all the best.”
Porzingis has had a lukewarm relationship with management, unclear of the team’s direction. The fourth-overall pick in 2015 became the face of the franchise after Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder last season. The ‘unicorn’ had a breakout season, averaging 22.7 points per game. He electrified the Garden each night, and the team chemistry surrounding him gave fans something exciting to look forward to in the making. Porzingis suffered an ACL injury at a home game against the Milwaukee Bucks last year and the team plummeted to another losing season.
The news shocked many fans, leaving some with doubts and uncertainties on the Knicks’ culture and future.
“After years of disappointment, the trade leaves me indifferent,” said Elementary School Teacher, Samuel Gonzalez, Jr. of Brooklyn, New York. “We sold off our promised future, who still has yet to stay healthy or bring the team to the playoffs, for more future [prospects]. The last time we had two max contract players, it was Melo and [Amare] Stoudamire. And that didn’t work at all. The Knicks organization is awful from the top down. Happy for KP to escape this mess. The Knicks did him a favor.”
One fan, though disappointed about the outcome at first, viewed the trade from a positive perspective from Porzingis and Knicks management.
“My initial reaction was extreme sadness. KP was supposed to be the cornerstone [that] the team builds [their] franchise around,” said Long Island native, Tony Marciano. “He was supposed to be the exciting young player that enticed free agents to sign [with] New York. But after a few hours of letting it sink in, I realize not only was it that he wanted a trade, but he is a really tall guy with an injury problem. His maximum value isn’t truly guaranteed at this point. But I think maybe [management] wouldn’t have done the trade unless they felt confident [in their plans to sign] some good players coming soon.”
With the trade, the Knicks have cap space and will attempt to lure Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving during the offseason.
The Knicks are currently riding on an 11-game losing streak and have the worst record in NBA. The team is set to play the next three games at home against Boston, Memphis, and Detroit.
(Eagle News Service)