Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers had positive things to say about the New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis trade from Jan. 31.
Kristaps Porzingis moving from the New York Knicks to the Dallas Mavericks drew various reactions when it happened on Jan. 31. It surprised with the timing, especially as the Anthony Davis trade rumors hovered over the NBA in the days prior.
The Knicks found a useful piece for the future in Dennis Smith Jr., two players that will clear cap space this summer and two future first-round picks for their trouble.
However, the Porzingis trade is viewed, add Los Angeles Clippers head Doc Rivers to those that praised the Knicks’ pre-trade-deadline move, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post:
"“I think they know what they’re doing,” Rivers said of the Knicks before the matinee tip-off. “Who knows why, but I have a feeling they know what they’re doing. Porzingis said he didn’t want to be there. I get that. If you want to be with the team, great. If you don’t … I thought Steve [Mills] and Scott [Perry] handled it very well.”"
Rivers’ thoughts surrounded Porzingis’ desire to leave New York, which the front office fulfilled swiftly, instead of leaving him with the organization and watching the domino effect of events play out, à la Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Perhaps, most importantly, the Knicks were able to shed cap space for free agency, with Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving among the potentially available players. All five, and other big names, could stay put, but the talk of the offseason has not disappeared for most of them.
Rivers’ Clippers, however, are just as properly set up like the Knicks. They have enough cap space for at least one max free agent this summer and completed their own trades to ensure that.
Competition spreads beyond the Clippers and Knicks, as well, with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers among the teams that will have available money to spend. All are in larger markets, so it draws even more attention to July’s possible events.
If the Knicks walk out of free agency successfully, it will enhance the Porzingis trade and even bring praise to Scott Perry and Steve Mills. It’s a big “if,” as the open market can produce the unexpected, but they have an inside track to work against other teams in a competitive environment, and it will be fascinating to watch unfold.