6-foot tall Latvian Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly exercising his options for the upcoming NBA season. Even if the Wizards are on a rebuilding mission, they can still offer Porzingis a healthy living with a $36 million option for the 2023-2024 season. Is this the best option in the Kristaps Porzingis Free Agency 2023 ad?
We look at five possible franchises he could be in.
Kristaps Porzingi 2023 free agency
Houston Rockets
The best players who opt for free agency always play for the best deal. The team with the most cap space is the Houston Rockets. While the Rockets are unlikely to be willing to spend all of their money on a single player, they could still offer a significant amount.
That’s how long Porzingis wants to spend out of the playoffs. The Rockets could be worse than the Wizards and he would end up spending more time away from NBA glory. However, with the money he could earn, he could easily get away with buying a new car, under the roof, etc.
Phoenix Suns
What do the Phoenix Suns need? Athleticism, ball handling skills and high level performers. Signing Kristaps Porzingis could serve some purpose in the Suns’ offseason plans as he already possesses many of the skills the team needs.
If Kristaps Porzingis’ free agency ends like this in 2023, that means a promotion for the player. A record deal with Porzingis is not on offer, instead the increased opportunity to play in the playoffs and even the NBA Finals should offset the desire for money. At 27, Porzingis could see what it was like to be among the other superstars instead of being the standout player.
If he doesn’t like it, he can always find another team in the 2024/25 season.
New York Knicks
Yes, we may be there for a repeat. Kristaps Porzingis played for the New York Knicks between 2015 and 2019 when he took to the NBA like a duck to water. He arguably played his best ball in the franchise, was named the Rookie of the Year and was named to the 2018 All-Star Team, among other awards.
In 2023, the Knicks are a significantly better franchise than they were during Latvia’s tenure. In theory, the team is already on the road to success, but there is room for a game changer. Enter Latvian.
Finally, as of January 2023, Porzingis said in an interview with the New York Post that he has thoroughly enjoyed his home games at Madison Square Garden, that he admires the organization and that he regrets the way he exited the franchise. Considering these words came from a man who joined free agency just a few months later, could he have laid the groundwork for a historic Knicks comeback?
Los Angeles Lakers
For many basketball players and fans, the Los Angeles Lakers have become the epitome of basketball success, culture and everything to do with sports in general. Although the team has not been very successful in the last decade, the purple jersey still enjoys great prestige.
Of course, the signing of LeBron James has helped them as the team has returned to its glory days in recent years. However, the team needs another big man to fill out its roster. Porzingis’ height at six feet should be enough for her.
The team has already extended most of its salary. However, a spot on the Lakers’ roster would offer Porzingis something that money can’t buy: the opportunity to work with LeBron James, which is a huge unique selling point for the franchise.
If contract negotiations become more formal, the Latvian free agent will no doubt have other selling points. Can he make history and be part of the team that will return the Lakers to NBA glory?
He would also be reunited with former Washington Wizard teammate Rui Hachimura.
Washington Wizards
A very real possibility is that Kristaps Porzingis’ fight for free agency in 2023 will simply end with him re-signing with the Washington Wizards. Of course, he will argue and chew hard to make sure he gets the best deal from the team. He can pick up his $36 million player option or extend it for additional years.
It’s a lot of money to stay where he is, but the Latvian has to ask himself: can he achieve his goals with a 35-47 team? If general manager Will Dawkins and head coach Wes Unseld Jr. they can sell him the rebuilding project even without Bradley Beal, he can stay at Capital One Arena.
