There was one difference during yet another multigame injury absence for Kristaps Porzingis with the Dallas Mavericks. Trade rumors surfaced for the first time since the 7-foot-3 Latvian came to Dallas as the centerpiece of a blockbuster 2019 deal with the New York Knicks.
Set to return from a three-game absence because of lower back stiffness, Porzingis brushed off the trade talk — but not in the same direct way owner Mark Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle have tried to refute reports that the Mavericks were open to proposals. “It kind of like came out, and it is what it is,” Porzingis said Friday, a day before a meeting with Brooklyn that could be his second game in New York since the trade. “I don't know what's going on behind the scenes,