After entertaining the possibility of acquiring nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George last offseason, the New York Knicks are now viewed as strong contenders to secure his services in the upcoming offseason should he opt not to extend his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to odds from Bovada, the Knicks currently hold the second-best odds at +950, trailing behind the Philadelphia 76ers (+275), as George’s potential landing spot. However, the Clippers remain the frontrunners to keep George, with odds set at -220.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on March 29 that extension negotiations between George and the Clippers are at a standstill.
“It’s now been three months, give or take, and there’s been no agreement on Paul George, and the word in the NBA is that they’re apart. I think the league believes that Paul George wants to remain a Clipper, and there would be concern in the league about recruiting Paul George, especially if you had to give away players to open up space.”
Windhorst speculated that George may ultimately follow Kawhi Leonard’s lead and accept less than the maximum salary to remain with the Clippers.
George has until June 30 to ink a four-year extension worth up to $221.1 million. If an agreement isn’t reached, he could decline his $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
For the Knicks to acquire George, a sign-and-trade would be necessary unless they opt not to re-sign OG Anunoby, which appears unlikely, and free up cap space by trading a player.
The 76ers pose a significant threat due to their substantial cap space heading into the offseason.
If the Clippers fail to retain George in free agency, they won’t be able to replace him directly. In such a scenario, they would likely seek George’s cooperation in a sign-and-trade with the Knicks to salvage something in return.
George’s agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA, also represents Knicks players Isaiah Hartenstein, Josh Hart, and Jalen Brunson.
Last offseason, the New York Knicks reportedly walked away from a potential George trade due to the Clippers’ steep asking price, as per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on July 6, 2023.
This offseason, the Clippers may find themselves with less leverage and could be more willing to accept whatever assets they can garner in return for George.
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