New York Knicks are doing better, then many people realize

Trading a 7’3 power forward

The Knicks move to send Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks doesn’t look great in the short of it, but in the same respect losing Porzingis for nothing as soon as is rookie contract was up would look so much worse.

The Knicks made the trade mid-season to free up space to sign max free agents. However, they also cleared the way for them to make moves consistently and intelligently. Having money allowed them to sign players to contracts that the new regime can feel better about and are trade-able in the future.

However let me refocus on the Porzingis for the moment, the report that Kristaps didn’t want to sign in New York long-term was right as he stated later on. Porzingis also had some not flattering stories pop up from his personal life a month after being traded from the Knicks.

More important is not only did the Knicks keep their first round picks, but the Knicks also obtained two future first round picks unprotected and Dennis Smith Jr., a young point guard in need of a fresh start with the ability to score and the potential to be great. They also rid themselves of two large contracts that were nearly unmovable solo.

The Unicorn may have been gone but the potential for the Knicks to build a young core of players who want to be there and will compete for each game. For the first time in a long time, the Knicks are building the right way, and it may hurt, it’s not sexy, but it’s proven and valid.