1. The Rumor Surfaces
Fans of the New York Knicks were given a rude awakening when a report surfaced that Kristaps Porzingis was being considered for a trade. The rumor changed over time, with it finally landing on Phil Jackson warming up to the idea of fielding trade offers.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Knicks hadn’t yet listened to trade offers, but were warming up to the idea of doing so.
"New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is weighing the possibility of trading Kristaps Porzingis, an idea that’s inspired a frenzy of suitors across the NBA, league sources told The Vertical. The Knicks are poised to begin listening to rival teams’ pitches on potential Porzingis deals, league sources said."
This report was corroborated by Ian Begley of ESPN New York.
League sources in touch with the Knicks say the club has not dismissed the possibility of trading Kristaps Porzingis in recent conversations
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 20, 2017
That started an inevitable frenzy amongst media members and fans.
The mere notion that the Knicks could trade the most promising young player since Patrick Ewing was incomprehensible to those around the NBA. Mere months ago, Porzingis became the first player in franchise history to record at least 100 blocks and 100 3-point field goals in the same season.
In 2015-16, Porzingis became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made.
With Porzingis and Jackson at odds, however, fans began to question whether or not the rising star would be building upon his success in the orange and blue. Jackson has yet to extinguish the fire on this burning bridge, and Porzingis was given yet another reason to feel alienated.
As the day progressed, the rumor evolved.