Kristaps Porzingis reportedly wanted out of Dallas before the team hired head coach Jason Kidd.
“At the end of last year, Porzingis wanted to be traded,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on “The Hoop Collective” podcast, explaining that Porzingis is returning to the team with an “optimistic” outlook.
“My understanding is he is ready for a – he feels like he has a fresh start with the coaching change.”
The Mavericks parted ways with former head coach Rick Carlisle after a 13-year run. Carlisle was named the Pacers’ head coach in June.
Despite his feelings, Porzingis apparently never planned on actually asking the Mavericks for the trade.
“He’s smart enough to understand the optics of that,” MacMahon added. “He’s had the healthy offseason. He has been able to work, not just on his game, but on his body some more. That he’s kind of coming back with a refreshed feel.”
During the Mavericks’ media day this week, Kidd spoke about Porzingis’ potential role this season.
“When you look at KP, he can play both 4 and 5. There will be times when he’s out there at the 5 but I think starting off the season, he will probably start at the 4,” said Kidd, who won a championship with the Lakers as an assistant coach in the 2020 NBA Bubble.
Porzingis expressed his excitement about Kidd’s coaching plan heading into the season.
“I think it’s going to be more of my game,” he said at media day about Kidd’s offensive plan. “I’m going to be able to post-up more and be used in those situations. I was used a lot as just a spacer and shooting threes and I feel that’s not my whole game. There’s more things to my game. I’ve learned a lot of things and I adjusted my game as I needed to. I’m looking forward to being utilized in the best day.”
Porgzingis hasn’t lived up to the hype since the Mavericks acquired him from the Knicks in 2019. He had a lackluster playoffs performance, where he averaged 13.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and struggled on defense.
The big man, who spent much of the offseason working out in his native Latvia, debuted a bulkier physique in photos he shared to Instagram in July.
At the time, Porzingis was the subject of trade rumors after a report claimed he was frustrated with point guard Luka Doncic’s ball-dominant style of play and high-profile status. Though, Porzingis has denied having a rift with Doncic.
The trade buzz paralleled with a Mavericks front office shakeup in a dramatic offseason. In June, the Mavericks announced they parted ways with longtime GM Donnie Nelson — a decision Doncic wasn’t pleased with.
Porzingis has two years left on his contract, with a player option for a third season.