KEY POINTS

  • The Washington Wizards are thinking of assembling their own "Big Three" with Kristaps Porzingis in the cast
  • The Dallas Mavericks are not yet open to dealing away the Latvian
  • Porzingis is being given time to recall his old form with the Mavs

As far as the Dallas Mavericks are concerned, NBA teams looking to trade for Kristaps Porzingis can only dream for now.

After the Golden State Warriors, a new team has been mentioned as having an interest in the Latvian beanpole--the Washington Wizards.

A report from FortyEightMinutes claims that the Wizards are closely monitoring the status of the 7-foot-3 center. If he is offered, Porzingis could be that crucial third piece that Washington is looking for.

One can just imagine a triumvirate with him, Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook–one that could easily sway the fortunes of the NBA club.

But until Mavs owner Mark Cuban says otherwise, seeing a Kristaps Porzingis trade go down in the near future seems unlikely.

There were claims that the Mavs explored the level of interest of the Warriors, something that Cuban immediately shot down. But before that, adding the former top pick to the Bay Area would have made sense considering they have a gaping hole in the middle.

The suggestion that the Mavs may trade Porzingis is understandable. He has hardly been a factor for Dallas this season although he is coming off an injury.

Luka Doncic is carrying the heavy load for head coach Rick Carlisle. However, most feel that the Latvian center will soon rediscover his groove and provide the Mavs with the missing spark.

With the NBA trade deadline set for March 25, it won’t come as a surprise if his name frequents the grapevine.

There are sensible stops for the Latvian player, teams in need of an added push heading into the postseason.

Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks
Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks Getty Images | Ashley Landis-Pool

But given that Porzingis is only in the second year of a massive $158 million deal with the Mavericks, teams who would dare to acquire him will have to give up a superstar or multiple players with assets to pluck him from Cuban’s clutches.

Anything is possible, particularly for teams with high-salaried players. Like in the case of the Dubs, Andrew Wiggins could be a notable player to give up.

The 26-year-old owns a five-year deal worth $147.7 million, but the Dubs would need another player or asset for it to go down.

However, Wiggins has been performing satisfactorily even if his averages are slightly down this season.

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