DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Were the Dallas Mavericks in danger of losing their star big man this offseason? According to a report from ESPN's Tim MacMahon, that outcome very nearly became a reality.
However, per MacMahon's report of The Hoops Collective Podcast, Porzingis, who was on the verge of requesting a trade away from Dallas, changed his mind after the hiring of Jason Kidd, which represented a fresh start for the 26-year old.
"I'll say this: at the end of last year Porzingis wanted to be traded," said MacMahon. "My understanding is he feels like he has a fresh start with the coaching change. He's had the healthy offseason. He's been able to work, not just on his game but on his body some more. That he's coming back with a refreshed feel. At the end of last year, he wasn't going to come out and ask for a trade. He's smart enough to understand the optics."
Porzingis had a noticeably frustrating playoff run with the Mavs this past season, with his role being relegated to that of a role player or a spot up shooter, rather than the second star to Luka Doncic.
And Per MacMahon, this bothered him quite a bit.
"But at the end of last year when he stood in the corner and checked the wind for an entire playoff series, he was hoping to be traded," added MacMahon. "From what I gather, he's coming back optimistic now."
Luckily for both Porzingis and Dallas, the Latvian will be able to utilize an entire offseason and training camp being fully healthy -- something he hasn't been able to do since since well before he left New York.
Porzingis is due to make $100 million over the next three seasons with the Mavericks, including $65.5 million over the next two seasons.
Porzingis will have a player option of $36 million in the final year of his deal in 2023-24.
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