Report: Knicks believe Spurs tampered with Kristaps Porzingis

The Spurs are reportedly pissed about Marcus Morris reneging on his deal with them to sign with the Knicks.

That’s not necessarily a problem for New York, which saw reports of San Antonio’s interest in Porzingis emerge before trading him to the Mavericks.

Frank Isola of The Athletic:

That it was the Spurs who lost made it extra special for the Knicks, who privately suspected San Antonio, with deep ties in Europe, may have made illegal contact with Kristaps Porzingis while he was still with the Knicks.

Ian Begley of SNY:

Per SNY sources, there are people in the Knicks organization who feel some with the Spurs operated outside of accepted NBA norms at times when Kristaps Porzingis was a Knick.

There’s a difference between illegal contact and the NBA’s accepted norms. Tampering is widespread, but technically prohibited. Some conversations can violate norms, though that can be in the eye of the beholder.

Did the Spurs do something wrong? I don’t know.

It doesn’t seem coincidental this leaked after the Knicks poached Morris. It seems they’re trying to justify that controversial move. That could be by revealing and accurately characterizing something San Antonio actually did. That could be by smearing San Antonio.

The NBA is investigating tampering. Maybe this will come up.