The Los Angeles Clippers made NBA headlines recently. You know exactly what we’re talking about. The Clippers acquired James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, all eyes are on the Clippers. So far, they may not like what they’ve seen.
The Clippers have been struggling. This is not cause for alarm. Harden can be a difficult player to adjust to. In all likelihood, the Clippers will find their strides.
Still, the early returns have not been encouraging. Ultimately, the Clippers are likely to see how the season unfolds and react accordingly.
What happens if they continue to struggle? In that event, the Clippers may have to entertain making headlines again. If they’re still struggling as the trade deadline approaches, they could make a major trade.
Could they send Paul George to the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Julius Randle, G/F Evan Fournier, 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round PIck (Swap – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Paul George
Meanwhile, James Harden is no stranger to headlines. He’s developed a habit of making them. For a long time, he made them for the right reasons.
As a member of the Houston Rockets, Harden set statistical records that were only matched by Wilt Chamberlain. With that said, he’s been making the wrong headlines in recent years.
You know the history. Harden requested a trade from the Rockets to land on the Brooklyn Nets. He forced his way out of Brooklyn to join the Sixers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks Updates
Most recently, he forced his way from the Sixers to the Clippers. Harden has become a journeyman like no other during this phase of his career. Will it pay off in an NBA title?
Time will tell. It’s a bit difficult to bet on the Clippers. This team is extremely injury-prone. So far, the fit with Harden looks clunky.
Should they really cut ties with George?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers are in a bind. They’ve got a veteran-heavy roster, and they’re absolutely drained of draft capital. The Clippers will have a limited means to improve from this point on – for the most part, this is their roster. What if it doesn’t look championship-ready? What is the Clippers’ next move?
This would be a bold one. At the same time, it could be appealing. Randle is maddeningly inconsistent, but when he’s playing well, he’s an All-NBA level player. Who knows?
Diversifying their roster by flipping George for Randle could give the Clippers a more dynamic attack. It’s worth noting that George is quite similar to Kawhi Leonard. Randle is a different beast – he’s a better playmaker, even if a worse defender and shooter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks Updates
At the same time, he’s not as good as George overall. That’s why the Clippers are landing two first-round picks and a swap here. If the Clippers want to rebuild, or even just retool, these picks could help them improve.
Should the Knicks give them up for George?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Randle’s inconsistency has been a problem for the Knicks in 2023-24. He’s having a down year. Typically, that spells trouble for the Knicks. This has been a disappointing season for them up to this point.
So, they’ve got their own questions to answer. The Knicks could justify retooling around Jalen Brunson – he’s having another strong year.
At the same time, Brunson may be good enough that the Knicks should simply pivot. If they’re willing to attach some draft capital to his contract, they could move Randle for an impactful player who can get them back in the title run.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks Updates
In other words, a player like George. He may be getting older, but he’s every bit the superstar that he’s been for a long time. There’s no question that he’d make the Knicks a better team. If they acquired him, they’d make some headlines in the process.
