NBA Rumors: New York Knicks Kristaps Porzingis Trade Talks Commence; Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Williams Wants Rookie out?

By Mitch de Leon
Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks against Kris Humphries of the Washington Wizards Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison

The New York Knicks once again failed in their attempt to make the NBA playoffs. Despite the promise of Kristaps Porzingis and the improvement of Carmelo Anthony, the basketball team proved to be no match to the likes of Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls; Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat; and Jeremy Lin and Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets. Although Anthony has a close relationship with LeBron James, the New York Knicks are nowhere near the caliber of the reigning Cleveland Cavaliers - a team that actually struggles with chemistry problems courtesy of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. With the NBA playoffs rut they are stuck in, what will the New York Knicks do to not be in the same place next season?

Rumors are rife that the New York Knicks are looking into a Porzingis NBA trade. With the potential the rookie exhibited this season, a number of basketball teams are extremely interested in signing him. The list of possible trade partners includes the San Antonio Spurs where he can team up with Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The Los Angeles Lakers are also rumored to be looking into a Porzingis trade. The speculations came after Kobe Bryant himself praised the New York Knicks rookie and called his deal with the team "brilliant."

Does this mean the Porzingis trade will push through soon? Since Anthony has been itching to go to a playoffs team, the New York Knicks might be pressured to add players capable of matching the NBA All-Star caliber of the veteran. Moreover, Porzingis remains a rookie in the league. Anthony might no longer be able to wait longer to watch the 20-year-old grow into his role in the team.

"No - because the goal was to make it to the playoffs and we didn't do that," said Porzingis when asked if he feels fulfilled this NBA season in light of his international fame. He added, "From that perspective, it's not what I wanted to achieve, but I think it was really good season for me to learn. This is nothing really to rush, but I'd like to come back the last few games and finish the season. I wanted to play all 82. But that didn't happen.''

With Porzingis' injuries, more questions were posed regarding his future. Although the rookie is eager to go back in the hardwood court, the concerns with his health block the possibility of reuniting with Anthony. Will this be the end of the line for Porzingis?

"I really want to come back and play the last few games. It's nothing we need to rush. I'll make sure I'm 100 percent, then I'll be back," shared Porzingis of his injuries. He added, "I'm young, and I always want to be on the floor. At the same time, I want to be smart about this. Nothing really to gain the last few games but I think I'll be back for the last two, three games hopefully. But it's not my decision at the end of the day."

With the Kevin Durant free agency coming up and a lot of other players, such as Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets, getting out of their contracts soon, will the New York Knicks choose to release Kristaps Porzingis? Will a Porzingis trade benefit the Carmelo Anthony team? 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo