Knicks didn't care about signing LaMarcus Aldridge because of Kristaps Porzingis

The Knicks have had an offseason that's clearly more forward-looking than anyone expected them to have. They signed guys like Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo to reasonable and relatively fiscal contracts. They brought Kyle O'Quinn in to be a third big man on a very cheap deal.

It all seemed to make sense, even though the team didn't land a star. Realistically, though, what 17-win team is able to land a star...ever?

That's part of why LaMarcus Aldridge didn't want to sign with New York—and why he didn't even give the organization much of a shot. But now, we're learning the decision to let Aldridge walk was somewhat mutual.

From Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News:

Aldridge eventually left the Trail Blazers to sign with the Spurs.

Well, this is interesting. We already knew the Knicks didn't want Aldridge because of his aversion to playing center. It made sense that would be because of their long-term investment in Porzingis.

The Knicks are thinking about down-the-line teams, not necessarily the one in 2015-16. The organization is getting—dare I say it?—calculated. Smart, even? OK, let's not go that far. But they're operating like a real team. That's a nice step up from what's happened in past years.

(h/t New York Daily News)