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Report: Knicks seeking trade partner for Porzingis, want top-4 pick

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

After reportedly listening to offers and demanding a king's ransom in return, the New York Knicks now appear to be actively shopping big man Kristaps Porzingis.

The Knicks have made calls to other teams about Porzingis, with the intention of acquiring a top-four pick to draft swingman Josh Jackson, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

It's unclear if the Knicks would stop at just the pick, but given the reports about their asking price throughout this chaotic week, it seems likely they'd want at least one additional asset.

That said, the relationship between Porzingis and the Knicks' front office appears to be fractured, possibly irreparably, and the team may be growing increasingly desperate to move him ahead of Thursday's draft. Since he skipped his exit interview at the end of the season, Porzingis has had "very minimal contact" with members of the organization, sources told ESPN's Ian Begley.

Another source told Frank Isola of the New York Daily News that the Knicks' front office is "a mess," and the people in charge "want to make it seem like the kid (Porzingis) is the problem."

In an interview Wednesday night, team president Phil Jackson confirmed that he's open to dealing the 7-foot-3 Latvian.

"As much as we love this guy," Jackson said, "we have to do what's best for the club."

In his sophomore season, Porzingis averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and two blocks, while shooting 45 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from 3-point range. The Boston Celtics, who own the No. 3 pick in the draft, are reportedly interested in acquiring the 21-year-old.

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