Would a Paul George trade make sense for the Knicks?
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein
Over the past couple of days, trade rumors have picked up surrounding Los Angeles Clippers small forward Paul George. According to multiple reports, one of the main teams that have been in contact with the Clippers has been the New York Knicks. It seems as though the Knicks are looking to upgrade their roster with an established star but what would it take for them to acquire George and would it make sense for the team?
George has had a successful career thus far as he is an eight-time NBA All-Star and has received multiple All-NBA selections. In the 2022-23 NBA season, George averaged 23.8 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game while playing in 56 games for the Clippers. The big question here is, do the Knicks have the assets to acquire a star like George? The answer to that is yes. Possibly one of the biggest assets the Knicks possess is their eight first-round picks, assuming Jalen Brunson is untouchable in a trade scenario. They also possess some players that could potentially interest the Clippers in a trade such as Julius Randle, Obi Toppin, and RJ Barrett. Combine the draft capital that the Knicks possess as well as the players they could potentially deal with in a trade and George could be dealt to the Knicks. Of course, all of this depends on the Clippers and how much desire they have in trading a star player like George.
Photo by Adam Pantozzi
Ultimately would a trade for George make sense for the Knicks? A trade for George would make sense for the Knicks because George is a player with many qualities that could benefit the team. George would automatically aid the Knicks on the defensive end and give them a player that can guard any opposing team’s best offensive player. Additionally, he would boost their offensive production and give them another ball handler who can shoot the basketball well. George had a three-point percentage of 37.1 in the 2022-23 NBA season. He also plays a position the Knicks need help in, and this trade could solidify it. The one area of this situation that could halt the Knicks' attempt to pursue a trade for George, would be his contract. George is set to make $45.6 million in the 2023-24 season with a player option the following year worth $48.7 million. A variable that is important to note is that George is 33 years old and one could wonder how many more elite seasons he has before his production starts to decline, not to mention his injury history. However, when a talent like George becomes available for trade one has to at least discuss the possibility of a trade like the Knicks have done. The best-case scenario for the Knicks is they get to keep both Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett while also acquiring Paul George but that is not very likely to happen.
