Kristaps Porzingis appeared at a news conference in Latvia on Monday in which he announced he will play for the national team this summer.

Porzingis skipped his exit meeting with the New York Knicks and is upset about the team's lack of direction and dysfunction.

"To be honest -- I don't want to comment on anything that happened at the season's end. Personally I did not have any contact with anybody from the club [since the season ended], so ... better that [Porzingis' older brother] Janis comment on this," Porzingis said, according to the translated version of his remarks published by the New York Post.

Added Janis Porzingis, who is also one of Kristaps Porzingis' agents: "It's always a player's decision, it's Kristaps' decision. Obviously it's harder during the first couple years in the league, but after that you decide things on your own. And Kristaps is in a position to do that."

Porzingis was asked on Monday if he sees himself with the Knicks after his rookie contract expires.

"To be honest, I don't think about that right now, I just try to do my best. I believe everything will resolve itself," he said, according to the translated version of his remarks published by the New York Post.

Janis Porzingis added, "Actually there is no reason for this question. Kristaps is drafted there; he wants to play his whole career in New York.''

The Boston Celtics' coaching staff was in favor of trading for Carmelo Anthony at the deadline, according to a source. Danny Ainge, however, had reservations about trading for Anthony. The Celtics have sought cap space for 2017 and acquiring Anthony would have taken that option off the table.

Jae Crowder is a player of interest for the New York Knicks, who could have been acquired during the 2014 Tyson Chandler trade.

The Celtics could use cap space to absorb Anthony's contract if Ainge strikes out in free agency.

Anthony has a full no-trade with the Knicks.

Kristaps Porzingis will leave for Latvia this week without meeting with Phil Jackson but said it is not a signal he doesn't want to remain with the New York Knicks.

“Of course,” Porzingis told The Post at his luxury apartment complex in Manhattan, when asked if he wants to be a Knick next year. “I love New York. I love New York.”

The Knicks were not given an explanation for Porzingis' decision to skip his exit meeting with Jackson.

Porzingis is reportedly upset with the direction of the Knicks and their treatment of Carmelo Anthony.

On Wednesday, Porzingis declined to address why he missed the meeting with Jackson.

“It’s not the right moment to comment on anything [about it],” he said. “I don’t want to say anything.’’

“It wasn’t right,” said one individual familiar with Jackson’s feelings on the blow-off. “But Phil went through this with Kobe [Bryant] and Andrew [Bynum], when they were still young but started to sprout their opinions and rebelled. It worked for Kobe. Hopefully this will make Kristaps better in the long run.”

Carmelo and La La Anthony have separated though they have no current plans to officially divorce.

The 16-17 season reportedly strained the Anthony's marriage. The former couple are currently living in separate residences.

Anthony's future with the New York Knicks is unclear heading into the offseason. Anthony has a full no-trade clause, which would allow him to veto any trade scenario.

La La has been cited as a strong influence on where Anthony chooses to play over the years.

Michele Roberts criticized the public comments of Phil Jackson in regards to Carmelo Anthony.

“We voiced with the Commissioner today our view on the inappropriate comments by Knicks President Phil Jackson," said Roberts in a statement. "If players under contract cannot, under threat of league discipline, speak openly about their desire to be employed elsewhere, we expect management to adhere to the same standards. The door swings both ways when it comes to demonstrating loyalty and respect.”

Anthony has a no-trade clause with the New York Knicks, which means he would have to give his approval for any trade.

Anthony has had influence in the NBPA during Roberts' tenure as Executive Director.

Kristaps Porzingis skipped Friday's exit interview with the New York Knicks, taking a stand against the way the organization has operated over the first two seasons of his career.

Porzingis is planning a long trip back to Latvia that may not include a return to New York until closer to the start of training camp.

Porzingis has educated himself on how successful NBA organizations are run and the Knicks don't resemble any of those at the moment. Porzingis' "growing disillusionment" is further complicating the Knicks' plans to rebuild around him, beginning with a trade of Carmelo Anthony.

Other players have privately said they're not interested in working through the Knicks' triangle sessions in the summer.

Phil Jackson continues to preach the triangle and is insisting upon it being fully functional for the 17-18 season.

Porzingis could meet with Jackson before he returns to Latvia but he is currently in no rush to do so.

The New York Knicks have interest in re-signing Derrick Rose this offseason.

Phil Jackson said he was impressed by Rose's attitude during his exit interview on Friday. Rose has mixed feelings about the triangle but expressed a desire to return.

“We had a good conversation with him today,’’ Jackson said. “He expressed that he wants to be back. We talked about him going through rehab and work and whatever he has to do. And he’s chosen to go back to Chicago to do that. He’ll also be in L.A., but he also took the time out to say he really he enjoyed playing here even with the losses, which of course surprises us because he’s been on some very successful teams. But he wants to redeem himself as a player, which I like that attitude. I like who Derrick represents as himself. He’s very direct about taking on a big challenge.’’

The Knicks are expected to target a point guard in the draft, but Rose could be a fit on a short-term deal.

Perceiving the dysfunction and drama surrounding the New York Knicks led Kristaps Porzingis to skip his exit meetings with management.

The Knicks were involved in several stories that drew attention for things that happened off of the basketball court this season. 

Phil Jackson examined trading Carmelo Anthony before the trade deadline and said he would be "better off somewhere else." 

Charles Oakley was physically removed from Madison Square Garden during a game. 

Porzingis in February discussed one issue plaguing the team when he said that there was confusion from "top to bottom" due to multiple changes in schemes by Jeff Hornacek.

Phil Jackson confirmed in his end of season press conference that the New York Knicks will begin rebuilding again.

Jackson also talked about the possibility of trading away Carmelo Anthony.

"We've not been able to win with him on the court," said Jackson. "I think the direction with our team is that (Carmelo) would be better off somewhere else."

Jackson said he met with Anthony and that it was a cordial conversation.

Anthony has a full no-trade clause which means the Knicks will need his approval to execute any trade. Jackson said they had "an indication of teams" that Anthony would be amenable to joining.

"That’s a big hole to fill," said Jackson when asked about what they would seek in exchange for Anthony. "We want a significant player that can hopefully fill that role."

Anthony presumably responded to Jackson's press conference later on Instagram.

 

REALLY 😂😂 #StayMe7o

A post shared by Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) onApr 14, 2017 at 1:02pm PDT

Willy Hernangomez and Tyler Ulis have been named the NBA Rookies of the Month for games played in April.

Hernangomez averaged 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

The 34th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Ulis led all rookies with both 20.7 points and 6.8 assists per game in April; the last time a rookie averaged at least this many points and assists for a calendar month was Damian Lillard in March 2013. The 5-10 point guard also averaged 3.8 rebounds and posted shooting percentages of .485 on field goals, .370 on three-pointers and .783 on free throws. Ulis scored 20-plus points in four of his six games during the month, including the highest-scoring game by any NBA rookie for the entire season with a career-high 34 points against Houston on April 2. In a win against Dallas on April 9, Ulis tallied 20 points and 10 assists to record the only 20-point, 10-assist game by a rookie in the league this season.