In recent years, the New York Knicks and Mavericks have done deals with one another numerous times. The biggest one of course was the Kristaps Porzingis trade, but even since then, former Knicks guard Reggie Bullock has signed with the Mavericks in free agency. There’s a pipeline that goes from New York to Dallas.
However, it’d be a stretch to say that the Knicks and Mavericks are on good terms after what went down this past summer in free agency. Dallas sat back and watched as its second-best player packed his bags and left Texas for New York City.
Signing Jalen Brunson is a move that undoubtedly elevated the Knicks. Now that we’re on the topic of the Mavericks’ mistakes, let’s take a look at how three of Dallas’ decisions have benefitted New York over the past few years.
3 ways the Mavericks’ disastrous decisions have benefitted the Knicks
3: Kristaps Porzingis trade
Time flies. It’s been over four years since the Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis, Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Tim Burke to the Mavericks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two first-round picks.
Per usual, New York was clowned for how the Porzingis situation ended, especially since the team selected him No. 4. overall in 2015. However, it’s a trade that the Knicks won. Since leaving New York, Porzingis has been traded to the Wizards. He’s currently on track to have the best season of his career in Washington as he’s averaging 22.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in 44 games.
In retrospect, trading Porzingis to the Mavericks in 2019 is a move that benefitted the Knicks. In his three years in Dallas, he played in only 134 games. That’s less than two seasons’ worth of games.
The best part is that New York didn’t have to worry about paying Porzingis. He signed a five-year, $158 million contract with Dallas the offseason after he was traded.
Although Porzingis’ time with the Knicks went south, he’s since positively reflected on his time in New York. But no, that doesn’t mean that the front office should be interested in reuniting with him.