For a long time, the NBA world has been waiting for the New York Knicks to make a blockbuster deal. In fact, the Knicks felt like a sleeping giant. This team has held to their draft capital tightly. They play in the league’s biggest market. It’s always felt like a matter of time before they traded for a superstar.
Until last year, that is. The Knicks were highly competitive in 2022-23. Now, there are questions about whether they need to surrender assets to bring in a star player.
At the same time, isn’t being competitive a reason to bring a star in? The Knicks were good last season. With the right addition, they could be great. Could Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers be the right addition?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Paul George
Of course, making a blockbuster deal for a superstar doesn’t always work out. Just ask the Clippers. This team traded everything for Paul George. Everything. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was one thing, but the Clippers sent a cache of draft capital to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with the young star in order to acquire George.
Who could blame them? The Clippers’ signing of Kawhi Leonard was contingent on them signing George. How could they hesitate? The Clippers were building a super team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
At least, so they thought. Unfortunately, injuries have held this star duo back. Now, some are wondering whether the Clippers could split the star duo up this summer. Could this be the right way to do it?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
This won’t feel good for the Clippers. In the aggregate, they’d have traded Gilgeous-Alexander and picks for, in essence, RJ Barrett and…fewer picks.
That’s not the way to look at it. Things change. The Clippers will not be able to get the same value for George that they sent out to receive him. He’s older, and injuries have depreciated his value.
With that in mind, this is still a solid return. If the Clippers see untapped potential in Barrett, they should be interested. He’s been inconsistent as a Knick, but he has flashed impressive potential.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Moreover, the Clippers still land two first-round picks and a swap here. All told, this is an opportunity for them to reset after what’s been an ultimately disappointing era for them. Should the Knicks cut ties with Barrett already?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Let’s talk about Barrett a little more. In theory, what is he supposed to be? Ideally, he’d be a 3-and-D wing who can create his own shot. That’s a player type that’s coveted by contending teams around the NBA.
It happens to be the type of player that George already is. He’s a perfect compliment to Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. He can play off of them, and be an offensive focal point when called upon to be one as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Knicks aren’t getting him for free. Cutting ties with a recent lottery pick, as well as draft capital, is a bold move. With this deal, the Knicks will be hoping to take a leap from a good, competitive team to a true title contender. In other words, it’s the blockbuster deal we’ve been waiting for them to make.
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