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Is Kristaps Porzingis’ Relationship With Mavs Deteriorating?

Is Kristaps Porzingis’ Relationship With Mavs Deteriorating?

In 2019 the New York Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke to the Dallas Mavericks for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews and two first round draft picks.

Although Jordan was obviously a very recognizable and well-known player, the big star of that transaction was undoubtedly Porzingis. Immediately, visions of him and Luka Doncic teaming up elicited enthusiastic pronouncements of a potential Mavs title run.

Sadly, that never quite materialized. Dallas has been extremely disappointing thus far this year there has been a lot of frustration bubbling within the franchise.

Although Porzingis had an incredible run in the NBA Bubble last year, averaging 30.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting 38.1 percent, he has been unable to recapture that magic this year. A torn meniscus kept him out of action until January 13, and when he did return, he proved to be an immensely huge liability on the defensive side of the ball.

This week, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report revealed that Dallas had been quietly exploring a potential trade for Porzingis.

“They’ve definitely sniffed around on him,” an assistant general manager told Fischer. “They’re taking the temperature, because they know at some point it’s gonna come around.”

Shortly thereafter, Ian Begley of SNY reported that the “Mavericks have reached out to the Golden State Warriors to gauge interest in a Kristaps Porzingis trade.”

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban immediately came out and pushed back on the rumors, telling Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News that no such talks were had – but it appears the damage has been done.

Apparently, Porzingis has unfollowed the Mavericks on Instagram.

While the gesture may seem like a minor one, players don’t typically unfollow their organizations when things are hunky dory.

It’s not all bad news for the Mavericks, though. They are one of five teams that Bradley Beal is reportedly interested in joining if the Washington Wizards opt to trade him. If they can pull off that deal, team Beal up with Doncic and Porzingis, and then make a run – their fortunes can change dramatically in the blink of an eye.

Related: LeBron James Names Most Disrespected Player In NBA

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.

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