Sport DFW
FanSided

Why Kristaps Porzingis will re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks

By Reid Hanson

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 21: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2017 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 21: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2017 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kristaps Porzingis is under no obligation to stay with the Dallas Mavericks beyond next season but it would defy all odds if he left. Here’s why…

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off the trade of the year when they sent Dennis Smith Jr, a collection of expiring contracts, and a pair of draft picks for Kristaps Porzingis. While this is a small price to pay for a young superstar, the trade is not without risk.

The primary risk the Dallas Mavericks face is Porzingis’ health. Last February he tore his ACL and it appears the Mavs are willing to let the recovery stretch beyond the typical 12-months, keeping him sidelined until next season.

How the 7’3″ big man bounces back remains to be seen, but if he doesn’t resemble the man he was pre-injury, he will put the Mavs in a tough spot. Additionally, Porzingis has a modest history of injuries in his short career, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility other ailments inhibit his return to greatness as well.

This concern is likely the primary motivation behind putting Pozingis in a conservative rehab program. They appear to be taking all the steps within their power to make sure health is not on concern going forward.

The second risk the Dallas Mavericks face is losing Kristop Porzingis in free agency in the summer of 2020. Reports indicate the 23-year-old is looking to sign his qualifying offer this summer rather than re-sign long-term. The reason being he could test his fit on the Mavs before committing to a multi-year deal.

While this concern is legitimate, it’s a little unlikely.

Bill Simmons points out the enormous gamble Kristap would be taking if he left a multi-year max offer on the table. Obviously making sure you’re in a good place is important, but is making sure really worth leaving $124 million on the table?

More from Dallas Mavericks

Now, he would stand to make that up if he hit free agency in peak form, but given his injury history, he can’t be sure of that. As Terrell Owens’ former agent would say, “He has 124 million reasons to sign a big deal with the Mavs this summer”.

The Mavericks are a likable franchise. The list of disgruntled former players is short and almost exclusive to point guards named “Rondo”.  Between the fans, the facilities, Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, and Mark Cuban, Kristaps Porzingis is gonna like playing for the Mavs.

By the time this summer rolls around, he’s going to feel pretty safe signing on the dotted line and staying in Dallas for another four seasons.

Next. What Porzingis means for the Mavs going forward. dark

While there’s a shred of worry to be had regarding him leaving next summer, it’s just not very likely. The real concern is health but even that the Dallas Mavericks appear to be taking every precaution they can to mitigate the risk

  • Published on 02/02/2019 at 14:01 PM
  • Last updated at 02/02/2019 at 13:32 PM
Home/Dallas Mavericks