NBA teams
Ian Begley, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Phil Jackson meets with Kristaps Porzingis' brother to discuss star's skipped exit meeting

NBA, New York Knicks

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson spoke recently with Kristaps Porzingis' brother about the star forward skipping his exit meeting because of his frustration with the franchise, sources with knowledge of the meeting confirmed to ESPN.

There was no substantial progress made during the conversation between Jackson and Janis Porzingis to settle the issues that prompted his brother to skip the meeting, according to sources.

As of late last week, no member of the organization had spoken directly with Porzingis since he skipped the meeting shortly after the end of the regular season.

Janis Porzingis, a certified agent, works for the agency of Andy Miller, Kristaps' agent. The Knicks declined to comment on the meeting between Jackson and Janis, which was first reported by the New York Daily News.

Janis Porzingis was unavailable for comment. Earlier this month, he said in an interview with ESPN that Kristaps Porzingis wishes to remain in New York but also wants the club to create an environment conducive to player development and winning.

Kristaps Porzingis, who is currently in Europe, decided to skip the meeting with Jackson and general manager Steve Mills because of his frustration with the drama and dysfunction surrounding the team this season, according to team sources.

Janis Porzingis made it clear then that if he's traded, his brother intends to play out his contract and test free agency.

"Kris wants to stay in New York; he feels at home there. There is no question about it. The only thing he wants is for the Knicks to create an environment where he can develop and grow as a player and win," Janis Porzingis said earlier this month. "If he were traded, he would play out his contract and head into free agency, where he can choose his own destiny."

Several teams reached out to the Knicks to talk about possible trades for Porzingis in the days after he skipped the exit meeting, sources told ESPN. It is unclear whether the discussions led to anything substantial. It would likely take a significant offer for the Knicks to even consider trading Porzingis.

The 21-year-old averaged 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds this season. He is viewed by many around the league as a potential franchise cornerstone.

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