The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards last week sent shockwaves throughout the NBA.
While the Brooklyn Nets dealing James Harden, and the circumstances surrounding it, was obviously the biggest move of the deadline – this was a close second.
As it turns out, the Wizards weren’t the only team in the hunt for Porzingis. The Toronto Raptors were also very much in the mix.
One thing ultimately prevented the deal from happening.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Porzingis’ frequent injury woes ultimately scuttled the prospective trade.
“Toronto, league sources say, stepped away because of concerns about Porzingis’ long-term health,” he wrote.
“The Wizards, sources say, went ahead with the trade on their end — to add to the bluntness — because they were as eager to ship out Spencer Dinwiddie and Dāvis Bertāns as the Mavericks were to move on from the idea that Porzingis could be the ideal co-star for Luka Doncic.”
Given the incredible run Toronto has been on as of late, it would have been fascinating to see what the team could’ve done with someone of Porzingis’ potential.
Porzingis’ blunt reaction to getting dealt speaks for itself. He was disappointed at how things went in Dallas, but not surprised the Mavericks opted to move on.
This will likely be the talented big man’s final opportunity to establish himself as a top-tier player in the league. If he succeeds – then his past transgressions will immediately be forgotten.
Now that’s how you celebrate Valentine’s Day. https://t.co/rfC0XKdDly
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 15, 2022
Should Porzingis’ injury plagued, inconstant run continue – then he will likely go down as one of the more disappointing players of his generation.
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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.
