New York Knicks Kristaps Porzingis
(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Spurs are interested in signing New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis this summer despite his status as a restricted free agent.

The San Antonio Spurs are interested in signing New York Knicks star big man Kristaps Porzingis once he hits restricted free agency this summer per Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. O’Connor reported San Antonio’s interest in a piece discussing players he dubbed “Pre-Agents.”

O’Connor cited San Antonio as being interested in Porzingis, but salary cap issues could become a problem. The Spurs owe DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge a combined $54 million next year. The aging Pau Gasol is owed $16 million. No matter how you spin it, GM R.C. Buford will have to get creative if he wants to sign KP to a max contract.

It’s also worth noting the Knicks own Porzingis’ Bird rights. That means GM Scott Perry can go over the cap to retain him without penalty. Common sense dictates since New York is in such a position, Kristaps Porzingis’ return should be automatic.

Well, not so fast. Porzingis, is currently out until late February at the earliest, as he recovers from last year’s torn ACL. The star has had some known frustrations with the Knicks. He skipped his exit interview at the end of the 2016-17 season due to issues with the front office. There’s the infamous sprinting miscommunication from earlier this season.

Not only that, but the Knicks are expected to make a strong push for Kevin Durant in free agency this summer. If Perry’s efforts are focused on him and Porzingis’ RFA status has him on the back burner, that’s not the best look. Porzingis averaged 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game ahead of his injury last year. Does New York really want to risk losing that?

This saga is far from over, so stay tuned for further updates.

 
Josh Benjamin has been a staff writer at ESNY since 2018. He has had opinions about everything, especially the Yankees and Knicks. He co-hosts the “Bleacher Creatures” podcast and is always looking for new pieces of sports history to uncover, usually with a Yankee Tavern chicken parm sub in hand.