NBA Rumors: 3 Top Landing Spots For Kristaps Porzingis

For the longest time this season, Kristaps Porzingis was expected to opt out of his $36M player option with the Washington Wizards in order to sign a new long-term extension with the team. But with the Wiz set to rebuild now after the Bradley Beal trade, word circulating in NBA circles today is that the original 'Unicorn' will be opting in, making him a big-time trade target.

The 7'3" stretch big could soon be a key piece added to a contender after putting together his best season in the league, averaging a career-high 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks. He also shot 38.5% from three.

Let's have a look at three hopeful contenders who could be at the top of the list of teams looking to take one year (at least) of KP:

New York Knicks

This would bring it all full circle for Porzingis. The Knicks made him the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 Draft, but in three seasons he never quite reached the heights that were expected of him. 

Now that he's honed his game after seven seasons in the NBA (and maybe also his health, as he played 65 games this past year), and the Knicks have found their groove as a playoff contender, it would be a feel-good reunion at Madison Square Garden.

He'd be a perfect fit on this roster, complementing Julius Randle in the frontcourt and Jalen Brunson at the point.

Bring Porzingis back to the Knicks 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/bXng23X3Ii

— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) June 19, 2023

Dallas Mavericks

Another reunion could be in the offing for KP, as his first three-season run in Dallas didn't quite go as planned partly due, once again, to injuries. But the familiarity with his game is there, and if Kyrie Irving returns in the backcourt, Porzingis could be a nice complementary piece this time around for Luka Doncic and Irving. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Imagine pairing 7'3" KP with the returning 7'2" rookie Chet Holmgren. The Thunder have money to spend to take on Porzingis' $36M for a year, and they've got a chance to be surprisingly good next season with an addition like this. 

OKC ranked near the bottom of the league in rim protection this past season, and KP's ability to defend the bucket would come in handy, in addition to everything else he can do on the floor. 

Photo: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports