Mavericks trade for Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis

Per Marc Stein, the Knicks and Mavericks are putting the icing on a deal that would have Kristaps Porzingis coming to Dallas in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., Wes Matthews, and DeAndre Jordan.

The deal would also include Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. coming to the Mavericks, and may include some future first round draft considerations.

Porzingis reportedly made it known to the Knicks earlier today that he was “concerned about the direction of the team” and per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, left the impression that he wanted to be traded. He was seen last night when the Mavs played in MSG, reportedly the first time he’d been seen at a game this season.

It’s been rumored for a while, of course, that Dennis Smith Jr. wanted to be traded — we’ve been through all the drama on this site about that situation ad nauseum. Well, seems he got his wish.

For the short term, the Mavericks probably don’t make the playoffs this year — this is a play for next season, when with Luka and Porzingis, the Mavericks are instantly playoffs contenders. 23-year-old Porzingis is currently recovering from an ACL injury suffered late last season.

What remains to be seen is who will even suit up for the Mavericks tonight against the Pistons? WHO CARES.

We’ll have more as this, and what it means for the Mavericks, as it develops.

UPDATE: Per Shams Charaina, Porzingis will sign his qualifying offer this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2020. So, the Mavs have a year of his idol Dirk and his apparently new BFF Luka Doncic convincing him to stay.

UPDATE 2: Shams is saying two picks are included. Protections not yet known, if any.

UPDATE 3: Trade is final, per the Mavericks.

UPDATE 4: Protections on the picks being conveyed, per Woj...