This was as predictable as President Trump Tweeting something ridiculous. We all know it was coming, the only question was when.
In a surprise to absolutely nobody, the New York Knicks have picked up their 2018-19 option on Kristaps Porzingis.
The Knicks picked up the 2018-19 team option on Kristaps Porzingis' contract on Wednesday, per the Real GM transaction wire.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) August 11, 2017
This move seems like a no-brainer, but remember just a few months back Phil Jackson was running the show and needlessly getting in a pissing match with Porzingis.
After this season, the Knicks can and will offer a max extension to Porzingis. That can be a five-year contract starting at around $25.5 million (assuming the projected $102 million salary cap, and assuming Porzingis is not named NBA MVP, in which case the starting salary jumps north of $30 million). Porzingis is worth that, although he needs to show that he can truly grow into the franchise cornerstone and leader he has shown signs of being his first two years. (Moving out of the shadow of Carmelo Anthony would help that, but trading ‘Melo is an entirely different problem, and Porzingis has said he doesn’t want to see Anthony moved.)
Meanwhile, Porzingis just keeps working out with Dirk Nowitzki.