3. The Rumor Is Disputed
Adrian Wojnarowski’s reports created a firestorm, but other respected journalists quickly emerged with conflicting information. Said reports didn’t necessarily refute Wojnarowski’s report, but instead provided necessary perspective.
According to Chris Mannix of The Vertical, the Knicks have set such a high asking price for Kristaps Porzingis that opposing general managers are getting the sense that they don’t want to deal him.
Growing skepticism among some execs in contact w/New York that the Knicks are serious about a KP deal. Price described as extremely high.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 20, 2017
Zach Lowe of ESPN provided similar information:
Have heard same twice in last hour. NYK will talk KP, but demands are super high.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 20, 2017
In other words: probably ok to chill at least a bit. https://t.co/iOlqOow7yG
In other words: the Knicks may answer the phone when a team calls, but they have no intention of trading Porzingis.
By setting a high asking price, the Knicks have made it clear to interested teams that Porzingis figures into their long-term plans. Any player can be made available for an attractive enough package, but New York isn’t looking to simply get rid of its rising star
If Porzingis is going to be moved, then an organization will need to compensate the Knicks with a significant enough package to push them in the right direction.
New York reportedly asked for that very deal in what came off as an attempt to dismiss the Phoenix Suns.