JUST IN: Proposed NBA Trade Has Knicks Land $176 Million 9-Time All-Star for Randle
There is increasing speculation that the New York Knicks might be a strong contender in the pursuit of Paul George. Despite lacking cap space, ESPN’s Bobby Marks suggests that George could choose to opt into his current contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Marks, a former NBA general manager, pointed out that this could be a way for George to join a team without cap space.
Marks proposed that a potential deal involving the Knicks would likely start with trading All-Star Julius Randle and forward Bojan Bogdanovic to the Clippers in exchange for George.
“If the goals are to bring back OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, you’re close to the salary cap apron,” Marks explained on the June 21, 2024 episode of “The Lowe Post” podcast. “You need to manage your finances carefully. Hypothetically, you’d be looking at Bojan, if his $19 million contract is guaranteed. Randle’s contract is also substantial, which combined gets you close to George’s $48.7 million salary.”
The Knicks Are a Potential Team to Watch to Trade for Clippers Star Paul George: Insider
If Paul George opts into the final season of his four-year, $176 million contract, the nine-time All-Star would carry a $48.7 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season. George might also try to arrange a sign-and-trade with a team like the Knicks, but this becomes more complex due to the CBA rules for teams under the second apron tax. NBA insider Marc Stein noted that New York is a team to watch for George.
The New York Knicks are a team to watch for Paul George, per @TheSteinLine
“Another trusted source has advised me to keep the Knicks on the list as a potential trade suitor for George if the All-NBA swingman indeed opts into the final season of his current contract at $48.8… pic.twitter.com/STP4ertIzW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2024
“Another trusted source has advised me to keep the Knicks on the list as a potential trade suitor for George if the All-NBA swingman indeed opts into the final season of his current contract at $48.8 million,” Stein wrote in a June 23 Substack story titled, “More new exclusive NBA chatter on free agency, trades and the coaching carousel.” “That step would position George to push for a trade to another team.”
The 76ers Are Still a Contender to Land Paul George in NBA Free Agency
The Knicks face the question of how much they would be willing to give up for Paul George, who would become a free agent in 2025 under this scenario. Last season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 41.3% from three-point range in 74 starts.
James Harden and Daryl Morey’s falling out could affect the 76ers potential pursuit of Paul George.
Paul George: “Believe it or not, players talk. And then reputations go around, like, ‘Hey man, I don’t know about going to this place, because they… [shoot]. Watch your back, you… pic.twitter.com/uT3wb4fAMD
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 19, 2024
However, all this could become moot if a team with cap space, like the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic, makes a substantial offer for George in free agency. Marc Stein believes the 76ers are still a strong contender for George.
“One team described George to me as ‘the domino who will make it all go when he falls,'” Stein noted. “I am struggling to pinpoint third-party teams that put much stock in the recent leakage suggesting that the 76ers have cooled on the idea of pursuing George.
“Only the Sixers know their true intentions, but let’s just say there will be a healthy bit of skepticism leaguewide about the Sixers bowing out completely until PG-13 has either come to terms with the Clippers or landed somewhere other than Philly.”