BREAKING: Knicks’ Trade for 36-Year-Old Draft Prospect controversial From Now-Retired Player
On Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks completed a typical draft day trade. The Mavericks sent the draft rights to center Ariel Hukporti, the draft rights to guard Petteri Koponen, and cash to the Knicks in exchange for the draft rights to forward Melvin Ajinça.
Interestingly, while Hukporti and Ajinça were drafted on Thursday, Koponen was selected 30th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2007.
Koponen has since had a successful European career, playing in Finland, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Germany. Now retired as a player, he is set to serve as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in the Summer League next month.
He humorously commented on social media about the situation, writing, “I’m honored (New York), but I’m still going to honor my commitment with (the Spurs). Of course, a financially ridiculous offer could change things. + I got the new hip! I’m ready!”
I'm honored @nyknicks, but I'm still going to honor my commitment with @spurs. Of course, a financially ridiculous offer could change things. + I got the new hip! I’m ready! https://t.co/m4K82Prkcm
— Petteri Koponen (@KoponenPetteri) June 28, 2024
Had Koponen played in the NBA, he would have been only the second Finnish-born player in the league’s history, following Atlanta Hawks forward and center Hanno Möttölä. However, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen eventually took that title.