The Raptors and Mavericks may have engaged in some discussions about a deal involving Kristaps Porzingis, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report (Twitter link).
Fischer’s report includes some hedging — he doesn’t outright confirm that Toronto and Dallas are negotiating a deal, but says the rumor that the two teams are discussing a framework has made the rounds among NBA front offices. Fischer adds that it’s not clear how serious those talks might be.
As Fischer observes, the Mavericks are known to have some interest in point guard Goran Dragic. However, Dallas would obviously be seeking more pieces than just a 35-year-old veteran on an expiring contract in exchange for Porzingis, the club’s second-leading scorer.
Porzingis has battled frequent injury issues and is owed $70MM over the next two years beyond this one, but remains an important part of Dallas’ roster. In 34 games (29.5 MPG) this season, he has averaged 19.2 PPG and 7.7 RPG while playing improved defense.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link) has heard that, in order to seriously consider moving Porzingis, the Mavericks would require “a lot more” than the package of Dragic and a draft pick the Raptors have been shopping. Presumably, Dallas would be more interested in a deal for Dragic if a player like Dwight Powell or perhaps Tim Hardaway Jr. is the primary outgoing piece.
For their part, the Raptors are known to be in the market for a center who can complement their core of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr., though they’re not focused exclusively on a center as they shop Dragic’s expiring contract.
Toronto has also reportedly talked to the Lakers and Knicks about a three-team trade involving Dragic that would send Talen Horton-Tucker and Nerlens Noel to the Raptors. However, Ian Begley of SNY.tv has reported that those discussions appear to have stalled, and Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link) hears the odds of that deal happening are slim.
Honestly either hardaway or porzingis is a win for the raps, but would KP mind coming of the bench?
The bench don’t matter under Nurse. If you’re in the rotation you’re playing 35+ MPG
Trent would be the bench player
I doubt it. They’re on a roll(have won 7 straight) why ruin that ?
OG and Dragic for Porzingis and Brunson
OG isn’t going anywhere.
OG is not that good…Best adjective for him is clumsy
way overpaid too.
Best adjective for you is unknowledgable. OG is really THAT good, and more. One of the best if not the best perimeter defender in the NBA. Young, strong athletic. Deadly from 3. Cool, calm, and collected.
And overpaid?? He makes less than $20 million a year. Lots of players are overpaid. OG is literally UNDERPAID.
I’m actually in shock. This might be the worst take I’ve ever seen on this site. Basketball clearly isn’t for you. Maybe find a new sport to follow.
Porzingus would be a huge addition for the Raptors and he would start.
Boucher, Dragic, and a 1st seems like the only logical option. A little lopsided in favor of the Raps but the Mavs need a pg
The Mavs have Luka and Brunson…. PG is not a problem in Dallas.
I like the Raptors with that 6’8″/9″ frontline. They just need a true center on the bench for certain matchups. I don’t see KP as an attractive asset until he gets nearer the end of his current contract. He’s pretty much guaranteed to be injured for a lot of each season.
There’s not a player the Raptors can trade for that would kick any of their frontcourt to the bench.
Now, see I would trade Ben Simmons for Porzingis
I would take that even over Harden
Simmons and Luka on the floor would be a terrible pairing. Both want the ball in there hands.
Simmons could convert to Forward Center.
Moving Simmons to a different position? He’s sitting out now for now because of not getting what he wants.
The overhyped overpaid overrated Stick. On the move again. Thanks for the picks Dallas
It is never safe to deride any Raptor player on this site. Raptor fans are so smart… OG is never in any trade rumors because no one wants him.. In my fantasy bBall league made up of coaches, referees,etc. he has not been drafted ever. If the Raptors get anybody good today these OG fans will be shocked to see him on the bench.
Lol in your fantasy league