Kristaps Porzingis trade: Knicks believe Lauri Markkanen can replace Latvian forward

The New York Knicks are reportedly open to the idea of trading Latvian sensation Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the 2017 NBA Draft. A new report claims that Knicks president Phil Jackson has fielded calls from several teams that are interested in trading for budding power forward, who is viewed as a future NBA superstar.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Jackson believes that he can replace Porzingis with Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen, who would likely be available when Knicks select No. 8 in Thursday's Draft. The report added that Jackson had a dinner meeting with Markkanen on Monday night in New York.

Markkanen, a native of Finland, averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his one-and-done season with the Arizona Wildcats. He shot an impressive .423 from three-point range while connecting on nearly two threes per game. Many scouts regard him as the best shooting big man in the loaded 2017 NBA Draft class.

Prviously, Jackson told the media that the Knicks were targeting wings or guards that are familiar with the triangle offense. The team was expected to weigh its options and select one of Frank Ntilikina, Malik Monk, Dennis Smith Jr. or Luke Kennard during the 2017 NBA Draft. However, a potential Kristaps Porzingis trade would enable the team to draft Markkanen if available on Thursday evening.

Kristaps Porzingis trade: Knicks would seek a star quality guard

The Vertical noted that the Knicks are "determined to acquire a frontline guard, something that a trade for Porzingis could gain for them" before adding that the decision to trade the 7-foot-3 forward could result in tremendous backlash among the fan base. Porzingis finished No. 2 in the Rookie of the Year voting and averaged an impressive tally of 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.0 blocks during his second season in the league.

After the Knicks' disappointing season, Porzingis let known his frustration with the team and reportedly skipped his season-ending exit meeting with Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills. Porzingis' brother, Janis Porzingis said Tuesday that Porzingis wishes to remain in the Big Apple.

"Despite how the Knicks are treating their players, Kris wants to stay in New York. He loves the city and he loves the fans and he wants to win with this team. If he's going to be traded, he's going to play out his contact and decide his future on his own," Porzingis said, via ESPN.

Since selecting Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 4 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Knicks have lost a total of 101 games despite starting the 2016-17 season with a legitimate shot at making the 2017 NBA Playoffs. However, the team was constantly plagued with chemistry issues, besides mid-season chatter about a possible Carmelo Anthony trade which nearly happened at the NBA Trade Deadline in February.