Phil Jackson is apparently willing to trade Kristaps Porzingis to a division rival but the Boston Celtics, as of now, are unwilling to meet his asking price, which would include two draft picks the Daily News has learned.
According to a Knicks source, Jackson is asking for the third overall pick in Thursday’s draft as well as next year’s Brooklyn pick along with the Celtics’ 2016 first-round pick Jaylen Brown (3rd overall) and Jae Crowder. This version of the deal would not include Boston taking on Joakim Noah’s contract.
The Celtics feel the price is far too high but they are open to tweaking the deal to include just one draft pick, either this year’s No. 3 or next year’s Brooklyn pick.
Kansas forward Josh Jackson is highly coveted by the Knicks and he should be available with the third pick. Crowder is a tough minded forward who Jackson regretted not acquiring three years ago from Dallas in the Tyson Chandler deal.
Brown was last year’s third overall pick who emerged as a contributing player for the 53-win Celtics. He also happens to have a close relationship with former Knicks president and head coach Isiah Thomas.
Prior to the 2016 NBA Draft, Brown accepted an invitation from Thomas to work out after a New York Liberty practice.
Josh Jackson refused to work out for the Celtics, leading to speculation that he and his agent, B.J. Armstrong, were hoping Jackson falls to Phoenix at four.
The Suns are also discussing trading for Porzingis. The deal would include the fourth overall pick.
