NBA Trade Rumor: Knicks willing to move Kristaps Porzingis to acquire Josh Jackson

Is Phil Jackson actually going to trade the best thing he’s done so far in New York? It sure sounds like it, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

The Knicks want to add a top four pick alongside their spot at No. 8 to obtain Josh Jackson of Kansas, wanting compliant players and a compliant team, Wojnarowski said of the Porzingis situation on their Facebook live stream.

Porzingis skipped his exit meeting with Jackson and Knicks management boarding a flight straight to Latvia for the summer until training camp.

Jackson went on YES! Network Wednesday night and seemed rather agitated by Porzingis missing his meeting, saying he’s never had a player skip an exit meeting throughout his coaching career.

All of this drama could lead the Suns straight into the perfect opportunity, cashing in their assets for a player who fits on all levels. Not only would Porzingis help them win now, but he fits right into their window being only 21 years of age to pair alongside Devin Booker, TJ Warren, and one of Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss as the building blocks.

New York is going to want a hefty price for Porzingis, but for a team looking to accelerate their timeline, this is the type general manager Ryan McDonough would wait to close in on. That time seems to be now, so will he push his chips in and acquire 2015’s No. 4 overall pick or keep it to take Jackson?

That’s the question we need to ask because Phoenix easily could have been the team who promised Jackson during the pre-draft process. Instead of having to relinquish Chriss or Bender, McDonough could simply slide Jackson in at the three spot and let this core four grow long-term.

Whatever avenue the Suns choose to go in the next 24 hours could serve as the major piece to the roster, whether it’s Jackson or a Porzingis deal.

Wojnarowski also reported that Phoenix has been engaged with Chicago and Indiana in possible three-team trades to help facilitate a move for Jimmy Butler or Paul George, so stay tuned.