Getty Tom Thibodeau
The New York Knicks have staked their claim as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. They can move one step further by adding another star to their current core. A star like Paul George.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale proposed a trade between the Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers that would send George to New York. Favale gave the full details in a May 3 story.
Knicks receive: George (after opting in)
Clippers receive: Bojan Bogdanović, Julius Randle, Jericho Sims, No. 24 pick, No. 38 pick, Milwaukee’s 2025 first-round pick (top-four protection), 2026 first-round pick
Favale explained why the Knicks would give up a trade package like that for George.
“He would upgrade the Knicks’ shot creation beyond Brunson without monopolizing the offense, and his defense remains elite when he’s not overaggressive (and fully locked in).
“New York would undoubtedly prefer someone younger and more cost-effective. But acquiring George under these circumstances is cheaper in its own right.”
Favale added why this deal could work on the Knick’s end and what they get out of it.
“This package—and even a framework that entails them giving up slightly more—keeps the meat and potatoes of their nucleus intact without bankrupting their draft-pick armory.
“The end result? A rotation headlined by Brunson, George, OG Anunoby (assuming he re-signs), Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein (Early Bird free agent), and Deuce McBride.
“Put another way? Title contention.”
George is in the third year of a four-year, $176 million contract. He has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
Two Teams Mentioned as Paul George Destinations: Insider
George could potentially enter free agency in 2024. If he opts out of his contract, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne mentioned two teams who could go after him.
“There are two teams right now who are paying very close attention to Paul George — the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers because both of them have the money to throw at him and need for wing just like him, a veteran guy,” Shelburne said on the May 1 episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast. “Every time I watch the Sixers, I’m like, ‘Oh look, they could use Paul George. He will fit right there.’”
If George opts out of his contract, the Knicks are out of the running for his services. They could go after other stars, but George could potentially cost less.
Paul George & Clippers on Verge of Elimination
The Clippers may very well play their last game on May 3. The Dallas Mavericks are up 3-2 in their first-round series and will play on their home floor. If they lose, that opens up a lot of questions about George’s future with the Clippers.
The Clippers’ furthest they have gone since adding George and Kawhi Leonard was the Western Conference Finals in 2021. Badly-timed injuries and the pandemic may have hindered their potential. However, with George at 34, they must ask themselves if it’s worth running back their current squad.
There is a scenario where George could dictate where he goes next. He could opt-in to then get traded to a team of his choice, much like Chris Paul did in 2017 when he was traded to the Houston Rockets.