For the second consecutive offseason, the New York Knicks might be entering the Paul George sweepstakes. The Los Angeles Clippers star is currently engaged in challenging contract negotiations with his team. The Clippers have so far refused to offer George the max contract he desires, which could lead him to seek an exit.
Paul George may adopt an unconventional method to join his preferred team. He has a $48.4 million player option for the next season. Instead of opting out and pursuing a lucrative free agency contract elsewhere, George might choose a different path to land where he wants. On ESPN’s Get Up, NBA Insider Brian Windhorst discussed the possibility of George opting into his player option and then requesting a trade:
“If Paul George changes teams, it’s very likely going to be a situation where he opts into his contract and requests a trade,” said Windhorst.
This strategy has been used by star players before, such as James Harden last season and Chris Paul in 2017, allowing them to join teams that lack the cap space to sign them outright in free agency.
The Philadelphia 76ers, initially frontrunners for George, have since reduced their interest in the 34-year-old nine-time All-Star. With the 76ers out of the picture, the Knicks could step in to negotiate a deal for George.
The Knicks had shown interest in George last summer, initiating talks with the Clippers but eventually pulling back due to concerns about his contract and health. George played in 74 games this past season, the most since 2019 when he was with Oklahoma City.
Even with their main priority being to re-sign OG Anunoby, the Knicks could still benefit from adding George. He would offer another high-level two-way wing and serve as a secondary ball handler and scorer alongside Jalen Brunson.
Last season, George was an All-Star, averaging 22.6 points per game with impressive shooting splits of 47% FG, 41% 3P, and 90% FT. Injuries to key players during the postseason tested the Knicks’ depth, so acquiring a player of George’s caliber could significantly enhance the team’s potential.
