Knicks GM Steve Mills Claims Kristaps Porzingis Threatened to Go Back to Europe if Not Traded

Kristaps Porzingis' tenure with the New York Knicks began with such promise, and ended in rather toxic fashion. With the team rebuilding and banking on a top spot in this year's NBA Draft Lottery, Porzingis wanted out. Seemingly minutes later after the report, the Knicks traded the power forward to the Dallas Mavericks.

So, what caused New York to pull the trigger so quickly?

When speaking at a Knicks' fan forum on Wednesday, GM Steve Mills stated that Porzingis had no intention to re-sign with the team and he threatened to go back to Europe if they didn't trade him within seven days.

Mills continued by saying the Knicks had multiple trade offers in place for Porzingis dating back to last September.

The Mavericks came calling in January and facilitated the trade, sending two future first round picks, Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, and Wesley Matthews in exchange for Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee.

While the divorce appeared to be nasty, based off Mills' recollection, the Knicks can take solace in the fact that they have two future first round picks as potential trade bait for a superstar player.