PHOENIX SUNS

Report: Knicks asked for Booker, No. 4 pick in exchange for Porzingis

Jun 20, 2017, 11:07 AM | Updated: 1:57 pm

New York Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis (6), of Spain, backs down Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker during the...

New York Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis (6), of Spain, backs down Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

From the moment word came out that the New York Knicks might be willing to trade young star Kristaps Porzingis, the imaginations of Suns fans had to go racing.

Like, could you imagine the 7-foot-3 forward who can score in a variety of ways while also playing defense landing in Phoenix?

Paired with Devin Booker, the Suns would have the kind of 1-2 punch not seen in the Valley in years.

Well, so much for that idea.

It is unclear whether or not the Suns reached out to the Knicks or vice versa, but no doubt that is a pretty steep price to pay — even for a 21-year-old as talented as Porzingis.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Porzingis averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and two blocks per game last season while shooting 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range.

Booker, on the other hand, chipped in 22.1 points and 3.4 assists while shooting 42 percent from the field and 36 percent from deep, though at just 20 years old, the 13th overall pick in 2015 certainly still has room to grow.

Combined with the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft — which is seen as one of the deepest in recent memory — and yeah, it’s understandable as to why the Suns would balk at the trade.

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