GREENBURGH, N.Y. – The Knicks did not sign Kristaps Porzingis to a contract extension before Monday’s 6 p.m. deadline, turning their franchise forward into a restricted free agent next summer.
That doesn’t mean that the 7-3 Latvian isn’t a part of the team’s plans. Although he is injured, he remains their best player and they can still keep him by matching his best outside offer next summer. Plus, by doing it this way, the Knicks can save $10 million, increasing their ability to add another high-priced player next summer.
Porzingis, who is rehabilitating his left knee after having surgery to repair a torn ACL last February.