By WFAN.com
The NBA trade deadline comes on February 7, and with it comes chaos.
Anthony Davis demanded a trade a few days ago, and then on Thursday ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski shocked the basketball world once again by reporting that New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis wanted to be traded.
Things developed very quickly, and just a little while later it was being reported that the Knicks and Dallas Mavericks were close to a deal that would send Porzings to Dallas and Dennis Smith Jr. to New York. DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews will also go to the Knicks, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee are also being sent to Dallas. Two future first round picks will also reportedly be coming the Knicks' way in the deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. That deal is now finalized.
Porzingis was a fan favorite. His departure is a painful blow to Knicks fans who have suffered so heavily in recent years. On Thursday, Mike Francesa reacted to the stunning news that Porzingis was set to be dealt to Dallas.
Francesa thinks it's a tremendous deal for the Mavericks, and not a bad one for the Knicks.
"If Porzingis is healthy next year, Dallas is back," said Francesa. "First of all, they're very well coached. Secondly, you got the kid there who is going to be a triple-double for his whole life, Doncic is unbelievable. You got him and Porzingis, they are going to be a terrific team."
Porzingis has not played since he tore his ACL in February 2018. He was enjoying an All-Star season when he got hurt last year, averaging a career-high 22.7 points per game. The Latvian turns 24 this summer, when he is also set to become a restricted free agent. Wojnarowski also reported on Thursday that Porzingis was yet to decide if he will re-sign with the Mavericks this summer.
MORE: Schmeelk: Knicks Not Pursuing Davis Would Be Malpractice
The Knicks's record of 10-40 is the worst in the league, but winning has not been the organization's focus this season as it rebuilds with the goal of becoming a consistent contender in the future.
Francesa believes the deal is a prelude to the Knicks swinging for the fences in free agency this summer.
"With the Knicks you have enough money now for two max free agents. And they kept their pick, which they have to … Smith can play, Smith can definitely play. You gotta make sure he's healthy, but he can play. The other two are expiring contracts. It gives them more flexibility. They did not bring back a big player for Porzingis, but he's injured."
Listen to Mike's full reaction to the trade above.
