In the Knicks’ quest to build upon their strong 2022-23 season, they are targeting stars to complement Jalen Brunson, including Paul George of the Clippers.
According to reports, the Knicks have had contact with the Clippers about the 33-year-old wing, although it is uncertain if Los Angeles is willing to trade George.
The Clippers nearly acquired Malcolm Brogdon, the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year winner, in a three-way trade with the Celtics and Wizards before the talks fell apart on Wednesday, so they may be interested in adding to and not subtracting from their roster.
Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein reported this week, however, that the Clippers have given teams the impression they were exploring George’s trade value.
After they were eliminated in the first round by the Suns, the Clippers publicly said they wanted to keep George and fellow superstar wing Kawhi Leonard together.
“Great players, and they’re great partners, and we want to keep them as Clippers for a long time,” president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said then.
The 6-foot-8 George is an eight-time All-Star, but only has one year left on his contract, with a player option for 2024-25.
He appeared in just 56 games last season and missed the postseason due to a sprained knee.
He also has battled injuries in recent years and has averaged just 47.2 games played the last four seasons.
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At the crux of the situation is his uncertain future, and whether a team acquiring George would be willing to commit to him long term.
George is eligible for a contract extension of four years, in the vicinity of $220 million.
He is owed $45.6 million next season and $48.8 million the following season if he uses his player option.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the Knicks believe George would seek that extension and are therefore hesitant about acquiring him.
He is still a difference-maker and a terrific all-around player who averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this past season while shooting 37.1 percent from 3-point range.
The Knicks have also been linked to potentially acquiring Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns and Bulls guard Zach LaVine.
With extremely limited cap space, a trade is the Knicks’ best avenue to improving the roster.
They had no picks in NBA draft, which was held Thursday night at Barclays Center, after they sent their first-round selection to the Trail Blazers in the Josh Hart trade.
It was the second straight year they didn’t have a first-round selection, after they traded out of the opening round last year to free up salary-cap space to sign Brunson.