Kristaps Porzingis Is Unhappy And I Have The Perfect Trade Package For Him
The Mavericks lost in Game 7 to the Clippers yesterday and now have been axed in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The bigger story to come out of the game is what the Mavs should do with Kristaps Porzingis? The contract is massive and KP just isn’t progressing as a player.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN put out a story yesterday on the future of Porzingis. Let’s just say it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows on either side of the relationship:
“But that happened in a losing effort, as the Dallas Mavericks fell to the LA Clippers in a seven-game series in which one of the most prominent storylines was how little Dallas relied on Porzingis, who has battled injuries and adapted to a secondary role over the past two seasons. Porzingis averaged 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds, often utilized offensively essentially as a decoy while Doncic carved up a Clippers defense designed to slow him down.
Those injuries — and the resulting diminished mobility — made him a defensive liability, and they are among the reasons it would be difficult for Dallas to get value for Porzingis in a trade. He is owed $101.5 million over the next three seasons, a contract that executives and scouts around the league view as an albatross.
But Porzingis has been frustrated, often feeling more like an afterthought than a co-star as Doncic dominates the ball and the spotlight, sources told ESPN. Porzingis frequently made thinly veiled references during his postgame media availabilities, such as saying the “ball actually moved tonight” after high-scoring performances or stating that the offense didn’t involve him on low-scoring nights.
After Game 7, Porzingis called it a “mental battle” to play a role that wasn’t comfortable for him. He said he tried to channel the focus from his rookie year on playing hard and doing little things to help his team.”
Nothing about this story is inaccurate. Luka dominates the ball, Porzingis’ contract looks ugly, and KP’s role in Dallas doesn’t appear to suit him. That’s just fine and dandy. I have the perfect solution. Dallas might be willing to shake things up after a stretch of first round series’ exits. I have the perfect trade package.
Hey, alter that puppy however you want. Add in a pick or two on either side. Hey, I’ll even fork over Tristan Thompson free of charge. What are we waiting for? Let’s just call this into the league office right now.
The Mavericks had a ton of interest in Kemba during his free agency. I don’t see why that still wouldn’t be the case. Stylistically, Kemba would fit there. He would be a secondary playmaker, scorer, and ball handler. Asking Luka to carry the entire offense is a mistake. Kemba actually makes a lot of sense there which is why they wanted him in the first place.
The Mavs really just need someone who’s tougher in the paint. Maxi Kleber is built more like Porzingis stylistically. I present you, Tristan Thompson? Doesn’t ever demand the board and can clean up on the glass. Sounds like a good fit.
The Celtics meanwhile need a real big man. Robert Williams can stick at the 5 and block shots. Porzingis can slide right in as that stretch four to space the floor and fit into the offense. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will love him. They can get up the floor fast while the big man gets wide open looks. The Celtics have been craving someone like this.
Let’s just make it happen already. Porzingis for Kemba. Who says no?
