Kristaps Porzingis will lure top free agents to New York Knicks, per rival execs

Kristaps Porzingis, the NBA's rising superstar, will help lure top free agents to the New York Knicks during the 2017 offseason, according to executives from rival franchises.

In recent years, the Knicks have struck out in their pursuit of marquee free agents but their fortunes are about to change thanks largely to Porzingis, who is averaging an impressive 30.0 points, 10. rebounds and 5.0 blocks over his last two games.

One western conference executive told ESPN that Porzingis, 21, makes New York an attractive destination. "He certainly will (attract free agents). With what he’s doing now, it’s easy to see that happening.”

Another front office executive said: "Definitely. No question."

The Knicks made a bold decision while drafting Porzingis, who was considered a "boom or bust" candidate entering the 2015 NBA Draft. However, New York's gamble has seemingly paid off as Porzingis is only the 12th player since 1983 to amass 1,500 points and 175 blocks through his first 100 NBA games. In doing so, the Latvian prodigy has joined the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Anthony Davis and Shaquille O’Neal.

The 2017 NBA free agency class is loaded, to say the least. It includes Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant (player option), Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward, Kyle Lowry, George Hill and Jeff Teague, besides Knicks guards Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose, who are on one-year rentals with New York.

With Rose's contract coming off the books, the Knicks will have the needed funds to pursue a max-level free agent to join Anthony and Porzingis in a new Big 3. However, some reports also suggest that New York would prefer to trade Anthony -- and possibly pursue two max-level free agents next year to pair with Porzingis.'

Kristaps Porzingis plans to recruit free agents

According to one player agent, free agents would prefer to team up with both Porzingis and Anthony instead of just the former. “Players really respect his (Porzingis') game and would want to play with him. But not without Melo (Carmelo Anthony). Not at this point. But in a few years? Yes.”

Another agent added: “I think guys will definitely (want to play with Porzingis) because he can stretch the floor and he’s unselfish. He’s also really, really talented.”

Porzingis, himself, hopes to be an active recruiter in free agency next year. "Of course, you want to build a team around you so you can win, so you can go all the way and win the championship one day. Of course, that's on everybody's mind, I think, that's in a position to do that."

The New York Knicks haven't acquired a marquee free agent since Amar'e Stoudemire signed with the team in 2010. It's safe to say that the they have already found their next superstar in Kristaps Porzingis. Would another superstar join Porzingis and Anthony next year? If that happens, the Cleveland Cavaliers could have their work cut out.