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What the Kristaps Porzingis trade means for the Dallas Mavericks

By Adithya Prabakaran

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks and Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks greet each other before the opening tipoff at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2015 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks and Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks greet each other before the opening tipoff at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2015 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Knicks Must Sign at least One Max Free Agent this Summer

According to Spotrac, the Knicks have just over $74.5 M in salary cap space to spend. This is definitely enough to spend on two max contract free agents. However, with Dennis Smith Jr as your best player, would any free agent try playing in New York?

Smith can definitely develop into an elite point guard but for now, he is still unproven. Also the ire that came with Porzingis just isn’t there anymore. Porzingis is a one of a kind of prospect. He exemplified what it means to be a stretch 4 with equally good defensive ability. The Knicks simply do not have that type of commodity to draw other big name free agents to play in the garden.

However, we are talking about the New York Knicks. Being able to play in New York in one of the best venues will certainly convince someone to sign a contract with the Knicks even if the team isn’t equipped particularly well. In addition, the Knicks should be drafting fairly high in the 2019 draft. If the Knicks can hit the lottery (which as of late has been pretty good), you can expect a good prospect like Zion Williamson or RJ Barrett will draw the likes of someone popular.

Next. It's time to court the Greek Freak. dark

In all, time will tell who won this trade and how successful these franchises will become as a result of the trade. The Mavs have some more structure than the Knicks to win but the Knicks could change that over one summer. Both teams have everything to lose and to win.

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