The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers have had contact about a potential Paul George trade, according to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY.
It’s unknown if the Clippers are willing to move George.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported earlier that the Clippers have given rival teams the impression that they are gauging George’s trade value.
The Clippers acquired George from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer of 2019. They also signed Kawhi Leonard that offseason.
NBA NEWS.& TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
However, the franchise hasn’t come close to winning a title.
George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this past season for the Clippers while shooting 45.7% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line. The Clippers won 44 games in the regular season but lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games.
The 33-year-old George didn’t play in the Suns series due to a knee injury he suffered versus the Thunder on March 21.
NBA NEWS.& TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
PG-13 signed a four-year, $176 million maximum contract extension with the Clippers in December 2020. The six-time All-NBA forward will make $45.6 million next season. He has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
The Knicks lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games. Many people around the NBA believe New York is a star away from becoming a title contender. George would undoubtedly make the Knicks a better team, but the Clippers are not expected to trade the future Hall of Famer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
“For all the mounting noise about Paul George’s trade candidacy in Los Angeles, don’t expect the Clippers to part with the eight-time All-Star,” Fischer wrote. “Portland has indeed registered interest in creating a package around the No. 3 pick for George, sources said, but those talks did not gain any traction with Los Angeles. There has certainly been talk of New York’s interest in acquiring George should the Clippers truly make him available, but Los Angeles has the intention to continue bolstering its roster around George and Kawhi Leonard — as evidenced by the team’s attempt to bring Brogdon into the fold.”
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