According to two sources, the Dallas Mavericks were informed by the New York Knicks of a possible 'extortion' against Kristaps Porzingis and not of a pending rape allegation.

"The word that was used was 'extortion,'" one of the sources said.

"The word 'rape' was never used, only 'extortion,'" the second source said.

ESPN previously reported that the Mavericks were informed of the alleged rape by the Knicks during a trade call with the NBA.

Porzingis didn't travel with the Mavericks to their game on Saturday at Oklahoma City.

The Dallas Mavericks were informed by the New York Knicks of pending rape allegations against Kristaps Porzingis on a Jan. 31 trade call with NBA headquarters that finalized a blockbuster trade. The Mavericks took on several unwanted contracts and traded two future first round picks for Porzingis, who will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

Mark Cuban, in an email to the Post, said the team is aware of the accusation, but "we have been instructed by federal authorities not to comment."

Cuban declined further comment when contacted by ESPN.

A seven-month-long investigation in 2018 into the Mavericks organization found widespread sexual harassment and workplace misconduct over a period of more than 20 years.

Cuban agreed to contribute $10 million to women's causes.

Kristaps Porzingis is being investigated in New York for an alleged rape that a woman told police took place last year.

The victim alleges Porzingis raped her hours after he tore his ACL when he invited her to his Manhattan penthouse. When Porzingis returned to his home following his ACL-tear diagnosis, he joined his two brothers and longtime physiotherapist, Manolo Valdivieso, in downing at least one shot of tequila. That account is included in a 23-minute documentary about his rehab.

Investigators consider her credible despite not reporting the alleged attack until over a year later and admitting she discussed receiving $68,000 in hush money.

The victim is also in her 20s and lived in the same building as Porzingis. Once inside his apartment, Porzingis allegedly held her down and raped her.

Porzingis allegedly promises to give her $68,000 and pay for her brother's college tuition but then reneged.

The Dallas Mavericks have been made aware of the accusation.

“We have been instructed by federal authorities not to comment,” Mark Cuban told The Post in an email, which he cc’ed to NBA officials and Porzingis’ reps.

The Knicks traded Porzingis on January 31. The team was asked if they had been made aware of the rape allegation.

“This is Kristaps’ personal matter and not related to the Knicks,” said a spokesperson for the Knicks.

Jordan Bell was suspended for 1 game after it was discovered that he made a purchase at the team hotel in Memphis that would eventually be charged to Mike Brown's account. The item or the amount remains unclear.

Hotel rooms are paid for by the team, but incidentals such as snacks and movies get charged to a personal card as part of an employee's per diem.

This was not the first time that Bell has charged an item on someone else's account, according to a source.

Jordan Bell was suspended by the Golden State Warriors for Wednesday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

"The release was self-explanatory. He was suspended for tonight's game, conduct detrimental to the team. Beyond that, it's our business, nobody else's, so we'll move on," said Steve Kerr.

Bell is averaging 3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.

Russell Westbrook is facing a 1-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul.

Westbrook picked up his technical after fouling Klay Thompson out of frustration after a non-foul call on Westbrook.

"Next question," said Westbrook when asked if he thought the technical foul would be rescinded. 

Serge Ibaka has been suspended three games without pay, while Marquese Chriss has been suspended one game without pay for their involvement in a fight during Monday's game between the Raptors and the Cavaliers.

The incident occurred with 0:01 remaining in the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ 126-101 victory over the Raptors.

Ibaka’s suspension was based on his instigation of the physical altercation, throwing a punch at Chriss, and his prior history of fighting during NBA games. 

Chriss’ suspension was based on throwing a punch at Ibaka.

Serge Ibaka and Marquese Chriss were ejected after trading punches during Cleveland Cavs' 126-101 win over the Toronto Raptors.

The confrontation occurred as the two jostled for position during an inbounds play with 1 second left in the 3rd quarter. After falling to the ground, Ibaka got up and wrapped his hands around Chriss' neck before throwing a punch. Chriss responded with a blow of his own.

Chriss had previously fouled Ibaka hard in the 2nd quarter of the game. Neither player were available for comment afterwards.