NBA Trade 2018-19 Review - Dallas Mavericks: Franchise altering move - The blockbuster Porzingis trade
The Dallas Mavericks were one of the most talked about teams in the NBA during the 2018-19 trade deadline. They completed the biggest deal of the season (as the Lakers missed out on Anthony Davis) with the acquisition of the Knicks superstar Kristaps Porzingis.
The Knicks superstar had become disgruntled with the franchise due to the lack of competitive nature showed by them since his arrival. He was also going to become a free agent in a year and all things indicated that he did not want to sign with the Knicks. The Mavs made full use of this rift and acquired Porzingis in a huge deal involving various players and picks.
The Mavs were also involved in another deal involving their forward, Harrison Barnes. Barnes was traded to the Kings and he received this news midway into a match, which received scrutiny from a few NBA players.
Let's have a detailed analysis of the Mavs trade deadline moves and how they fared overall.
The blockbuster Porzingis trade
The New York Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis with the No 4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, which received a lot of criticism from the NBA analysts and the Knicks fan base. But Porzingis quickly turned heads with his superb display of skills and athleticism. He also provided highlight reels with his putback dunks and emphatic blocks.
Despite Porzingis' great individual performances, the Knicks remained one of the worst franchises in the league and they failed to surround their superstar with a good supporting cast. He became frustrated with the state of the franchise and it was pretty evident that Porzingis wanted out of New York.
The Knicks also used the opportunity to clear some of cap space and got involved in the trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks officially traded Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks alongwith Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke. In return, they received Dennis Smith Jr., two future first round picks and the expiring contracts of DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews.
The Mavs now have the deadly combo of Doncic and Porzingis to take their franchise forward with Dirk retiring after this season.