Trade rumors for Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George are intensifying, with the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers among the prominent teams vying for him. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes has suggested a mock trade between the Knicks and Clippers to be executed before the NBA Draft on Wednesday, involving a substantial package in exchange for the star forward.
Hughes’ proposed trade is as follows:
Clippers receive:
– Bojan Bogdanovic
– Julius Randle
– Miles McBride
– No. 24 pick in the 2024 draft
– No. 38 pick in the 2024 draft
– 2025 first-round pick (via MIL with top-four protection)
– 2026 first-round pick
Knicks receive:
– Paul George
In this scenario, the Knicks would part with four draft picks and three key rotational players for one aging star. Such a trade would deplete the Knicks’ depth and could shorten their championship window, leaving them with less room for error.
There’s no denying George’s talent, and the prospect of pairing him with Jalen Brunson is an enticing factor in potentially acquiring him from the Clippers.
Despite George’s talent, several factors suggest he may not be the right acquisition for the Knicks.
However, several factors make the idea of trading away most of the Knicks’ future less appealing. Paul George’s age (34) and his ongoing contract dispute with the Los Angeles Clippers are significant concerns. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on his Substack that George wants a four-year contract, but the Clippers are reluctant to commit to such a long-term deal.
There is a possibility that George might opt into his $48.8 million player option and then request a trade from the Clippers, similar to what his teammate James Harden did with the Philadelphia 76ers last offseason. If the Knicks were to acquire George in such a scenario, they would need to negotiate a new deal with him. Additionally, the Knicks still need to pay OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency and work out a long-term extension with Jalen Brunson.
Moreover, giving an aging George a max contract would severely limit the Knicks’ financial flexibility. Part of their ability to consistently pursue marquee players is due to their star players being on team-friendly deals, which do not fully reflect their level of play.
