In a meeting with New York Knicks management on Thursday, Kristaps Porzingis voiced his concern about the direction of the franchise, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne.
Porzingis is "searching for clarity on his future role with the team and Knicks direction," Wojnarowski adds. He reportedly left the Knicks with the impression that he wants to be traded.
Porzingis can become a restricted free agent in the offseason.
Porzingis wants to play for a winner in New York, but is searching for clarity on his future role with the team and Knicks direction. Porzingis -- out with an ACL injury --- can be a restricted free agent this summer. https://t.co/JtZzQ02FCI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
Kristaps Porzingis left the Knicks with the impression that he prefers to be traded, league sources tell @ramonashelburne and me. Knicks are expected to commence discussions on moving him ahead of next Thursday's deadline.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
Porzingis was named an All-Star for the first time in his career last season with averages of 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He then suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 6 and hasn't returned to the court since.
The Knicks have struggled in his absence. They're 10-40 this season following a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, giving them the worst record in the NBA.
The team does, however, have some promising prospects on the roster in Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Allonzo Trier. They also have their first round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and plenty of cap space this offseason that'll enable them to be players in free agency.
The combination gives Porzingis and the Knicks reason for optimism moving forward.