Knicks must consider Paul George run amid latest Clippers and NBA trade rumors

The New York Knicks have just completed a real simulation campaign. New York caught fire after the December trade for OG Anunoby, earned the No. 2 seed in the East and reached the second round of the playoffs before losing in seven games to the Indiana Pacers.

The Knicks and their fans have to wonder what might have happened without the late injuries to Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle.

Keeping the core intact and hoping the roster stays healthy is a viable plan this offseason. However, the Knicks are reportedly interested in making a big move this offseason, likely in hopes of catching the new champion Boston Celtics.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein (along with Bleacher Report’s Jack Murray), the Knicks are interested in trading for Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George if he exercises his player option for the 2024-25 season:

“Another reliable source advised me to keep the Knicks on the roster as a potential suitor for George if the All-NBA swingman does indeed opt out of the final season of his current $48.8 million contract. This step would allow for George to push for a trade with another team.

Trading for George, 34, wouldn’t make sense for every franchise. However, New York is one of the few where this would make sense. The Knicks have their coach in Tom Thibodeau, they have a very close roster and they made a trade work financially.

New York is projected to be just over $27 million below the luxury tax threshold, and it could potentially shed another $14.3 million by trading Robinson.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Knicks have contacted teams about trading Robinson while also hoping to retain impending free agent Isaiah Hartenstein. New York could save an additional $19.9 million if Anunoby declines his 2024-25 player option and is not re-signed.

While Anunoby has been great for the Knicks when healthy, especially defensively, his multiple injuries last season are concerning. Letting Anunoby go and adding George to the lineup is an option for New York to consider.

Another option is to get rid of Randle and his $28.9 million cap hit. The 29-year-old is another terrific player, but again when healthy. While the Knicks should prefer to keep him, he could be the biggest bargaining chip that actually moves the needle for the Clippers.

Including Randle in a package for Los Angeles would potentially leave the Knicks with Anunoby, Hartenstein, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and George – a lineup that would certainly challenge Boston in the East.

Landing George could also take him away from the rival Philadelphia 76ers, although, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Philadelphia’s interest has waned.

Of course, this all depends on George participating and pushing for an exchange elsewhere. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Clippers are confident they can convince George to re-sign a new deal.

“At least today, they believe that Paul George is going to want to stay home in Los Angeles, where his family is, where he has roots, where he wants to be,” Windhorst said Friday. First take
(with Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report), “…The Clippers are saying, ‘Here’s our offer, this is where your home is, stay here. If you want more money, then you gotta go, so It’s good.'”

There’s no guarantee New York can be successful against George this offseason, but it’s something the franchise needs to consider.

George may be getting older, but he’s still a top-25 player who started 74 games last season. Adding him would mean tinkering with an already solid roster, but landing George might only mean parting ways with players who missed time in the playoffs anyway.

Stars of George’s caliber aren’t often available. It would be foolish for the Knicks not to weigh the addition of George against the other options available to them this offseason.

*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.