Report: Raptors Discussing Deal with Mavericks for Kristaps Porzingis

The Toronto Raptors are reportedly in talks with the Dallas Mavericks in a trade to acquire Kristaps Porzingis for Goran Dragic

Aaron Rose | Feb 10, 2022

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It was just days ago that Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said the team was unlikely to make a "major move" considering how well the group has been playing lately.

Well, a major move has at least been discussed, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, who says the Raptors have talked about a trade to potentially acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Dallas Mavericks in a deal that would allow Goran Dragic to pair up with fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic.

Word first started making the rounds last night, and discussion of a framework where Kristaps Porzingis potentially heads to Toronto has since circulated around NBA front offices. There's of course mutual interest in bringing Goran Dragic to Dallas. Unclear how serious talks are.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 10, 2022

It would be a major shakeup and one that is certainly tough to see. The Raptors have made it clear they're reluctant to go into the luxury tax this season and acquiring Porzingis' $31.7 million contract would likely push them over the edge. The Mavericks have also been one of the Western Conference's best teams this season and a move of that magnitude wouldn't make sense for a team trying to win now.

While Porzingis' lackluster defense and spotty injury history certainly make his contract a burden for Dallas, the 26-year-old big man is averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season and looks far more comfortable this season playing under Jason Kidd than last season.

A trade of that size would also hamstring Toronto's flexibility moving forward. While the Raptors are willing to take on long-term money for Dragic, there's reportedly a reluctance to take on money beyond next season, as Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported.

One bit of Raptors trade intel I’m hearing: as much as they are willing to take on future $$ in a trade, if it’s beyond 22/23 the fit will really matter. Won’t compromise flexibility for short-term help.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) February 10, 2022

Porzingis is under contract next season for $33.8 million with a player option for $36 million the following season.

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