Kristaps Porzingis has missed nearly an entire calendar year since he suffered a torn ACL but his recovery is going well, Newsday’s Steve Popper writes. The Latvian is expected to miss the Knicks‘ four-day trip to London next week when the team faces the Wizards, but Porzingis’ recent practices have been encouraging.
“I don’t see a drop,” head coach David Fizdale said. “That I don’t see. I haven’t seen him move in a way that makes me go “uh-oh.” I think we’re going about it the right way. His body looks great. He looks strong, he’s defined. It’s just a matter of time, and when we get him, we’ll be happy.”
As we relayed on Friday, Porzingis has passed the point of meeting the starter criteria for restricted free agency this summer. Thus, the Knicks’ qualifying offer drops from $7.5MM to $4.5MM. His cap hold will be $17.1MM and he will qualify for a $158MM contract over five years with a starting salary set at $27.25MM.
The Knicks, currently 10-32 in the Eastern Conference, are setting themselves up for a top-five draft pick this summer. A healthy Porzingis would go a long way to helping New York compete next season.
Check out more Atlantic Division notes:
- Fellow Latvian Rodions Kurucs has fared well for the Nets after being selected 40th overall in the second round this past summer. Kurucs has been solid on both sides of the ball and eclipsed both his and the team’s expectations, Chris Milholen and Net Income of NetsDaily write.
- Patrick McCaw‘s first few months of the season have been eventful. He sat out the start of the year as he looked to maximize his earnings from the Warriors as an RFA, then signed an offer sheet with Cleveland. However, days later, the Cavaliers waived him. After signing with the Raptors, he’s thrilled with the new opportunity, Laura Armstrong of The Toronto Star writes.
- Nets minority owner Joseph Tsai is reportedly close to acquiring the WNBA’s New York Liberty, the AP’s Doug Fienberg reports. Tsai purchased 49% of the Nets in April 2018 and the James Dolan-owned Liberty — which were placed for sale in November 2017 — are close to being added to his portfolio.
Tsai is setting himself up to be a bigger name amongst owners. So often we hear about Buss, Ballmer, Dolan, and Cuban. Tsai could wiggle his way in there soon
i like KP, i dont think hes a max player though. he cant lead a team to a chip. the knicks are 10-32 now.. how many more wins does he realistically add to this roster?
Dude he’s 22 let’s see what he turns into he’s nowhere near his potential. Also everybody gets the max these days you know how many worse players are/have been getting max deals the last 4 years ever since the cap inflation.
What does their record have to do with whether he’s a max player?
Disagree. Have you seen all the guys getting max deals? The best has yet to come for Porzingis. The Knicks will be back in contention in the next couple seasons and this is not from a New York fan
He will get a max offer. Doesn’t have to be the Knicks, they will most likely match though. Most teams with 27.5M in cap space would put in an offer sheet.
The only way he doesnt get full max is if he returns and looks like hot garbage. Knicks would be wise to just match though see what he gets first.
Wrong
Good news. Would love to have him back in about 3-4 weeks … maybe after the ASG.
knicks are over-due to signing an egregious contract – KP runs like an awkward giraffe
When you said mccaw was seeking the maxdeal you didn’t mean 145 million deal right ?? if so god bless his soul.