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Kristaps Porzingis trade rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Knicks’ star

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during a break in action in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during a break in action in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kristaps Porzingis trade rumors
December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) passes against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Lakers

If they really wanted to, the Los Angeles Lakers could get in on the Kristaps Porzingis sweepstakes. However, after trading away D’Angelo Russell in a cap space-clearing deal with the Brooklyn Nets, it wouldn’t make much sense to do so.

More than likely, discussions on a Porzingis trade would begin and end with the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft. After moving Russell, it’s all but assured the Lakers will be selecting Lonzo Ball as their new franchise point guard at that spot.

Though a package of the No. 2, No. 27 and No. 28 picks in this year’s draft would be a fine starting point for a one-in-a-lifetime talent like KP, the point guard position would be a serious issue for the team moving forward.

With the Lakers’ sights set on adding Paul George and LeBron James in the near future, they need Ball to facilitate and wouldn’t have the requisite cap space to pursue a star point guard in free agency. If the No. 2 pick is off the table in trade talks, it’s highly unlikely the Lakers’ best possible package of No. 27, No. 28, a future first-rounder and Julius Randle/Jordan Clarkson would cut it.