Since he was drafted, New York Knicks‘ Kristaps Porzingis has been a better player then most expected. The 7’3 Latvian shot blocker, big dunker, and three point shooter is supposed to anchor for the Knicks future. Many fans hope the future includes Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, or Anthony Davis. The only problem is that Porzingis will be a free agent this summer, but a restricted free agent.
Porzingis’ significant injury:
It’s early February, the Knicks are preparing to take on the Milwaukee Bucks. However, nobody knew would be Kristaps Porzingis final game of the season. When Porzingis went down to the floor, after trying to dunk over the Greek Freak, Madison Square Garden fell silent. What had just happened to the cities Unicorn?
It turns out that the Unicorn has torn his ACL. Before he tore his ACL he was working his way to a max contract extension from the Knicks, but now it is in doubt how much that contract will be, as it has been 11 months since Porzingis has stepped on a basketball court.
Porzingis will be a RESTRICTED free agent this offseason. That mean that if the Knicks offer him a qualifying offer (which they will) then he can sign an offer sheet with any NBA team. The Knicks will be able to match any of those contracts (which they would). Or, the Knicks can work on a contract extension with the Porzingis. If no contract is reached between any team, Porzingis can play the 2019-2020 season on the qualifying offer, and prove he is healthy.
There are many scenarios for Porzingis upcoming free agency, but Kristaps Porzingis will be a Knick for at the very least one more year. Porzingis will not be a Spur, a Celtic, or a member of the rival Brooklyn Nets.
Why Kristaps and the Knicks will remaind together:
Due to Porzingis contract situation, the Knicks hold the leverage. They can match any offer from another team, and use that perk to there advantage. The Knicks can also offer Porzingis more money, for more years. Like the Sixers did with Joel Embid’s contract, the Knicks can put incentives in Porzingis contract like staying healthy. Also, I think Porzingis wants to stay with the Knicks, as he enjoys New York City.  He like being the face of the Knicks.