Coaching change in Dallas brings a fresh start for Porzingis / News - Basketnews.com

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Kristaps Porzingis is preparing for his third full season with the Dallas Mavericks, and ESPN’s journalist Tim MacMahon thinks that the coaching change might do wonders for the Latvian forward.

MacMahon revealed that Porzingis wanted to be traded earlier, but now he’s ready for a fresh start.

“I’ll say this: at the end of last year, Porzingis wanted to be traded,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “My understanding is he feels like he has a fresh start with the coaching change. He’s had a healthy offseason. He’s been able to work, not just on his game but on his body some more. That he’s coming back with a refreshed feel.”

MacMahon also confirmed that despite the desire to be traded, Porzingis didn’t ask for one.

“At the end of last year, he wasn’t going to come out and ask for a trade. He’s smart enough to understand the optics,” MacMahon explained the situation.

“But at the end of last year, when he stood in the corner and checked the wind for an entire playoff series, he was hoping to be traded,” added MacMahon. “From what I gather, he’s coming back optimistic now,” he added.

Last season, Porzingis played 43 games averaging 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks.

His current deal with the Mavericks will be valid until the summer of 2024. Throughout this time, Porzingis will earn approximately $101.5 million.

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