Key Takeaways:
– The New York Knicks show interest in trading for LA Clippers star, Paul George.
– Former NBA general manager, Bobby Marks reveals that the potential deal could involve players Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanovic.
– Paul George may consider opting into the final season of his $176 million contract, allowing the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal.
– The Philadelphia 76ers could emerge as potent competition for Paul George’s acquisition in free agency.
Suppose you’re new to the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade scene or just need a novice-friendly breakdown of the unfolding drama. Then there’re surfaces noteworthy whispers suggesting that the New York Knicks might swing a high-profile trade for the Los Angeles Clippers’ accident, Paul George.
How Does the Knicks Fit into Paul George’s Plan?
Despite the Knicks not having a spacious cap, some experts, including ESPN’s Bobby Marks, feel the team could role-play an enticing lead in the Paul George “sweepstakes”. Paul George has an open option to continue his current contract with the Clippers. Former NBA general manager Marks states that this method provides a pathway for George to propel himself into a different team, even those hurting in cap space.
Marks posits that the conjectured Knicks trade could possibly launch with stars Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanovic masking a move to the Clippers in a swap deal for George. Marks explain this during “The Lowe Post” podcast. Combining Randle’s contract and guaranteeing Bogdanovic’s deal – priced around $19 million proportionately, could almost match George’s $48.7 million salary.
The Final Year Opt-In Possibility
Now, you must be curious about George’s contract details. If George decides to play into the final year of his existing four-year $176 million contract, he would face a $48.7 million cap hit for the 2024-2025 season. There’s a catch though, George can also contemplate a sign-and-trade with a team, with the Knicks being a strong candidate, albeit the transaction gets complicated due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules for second apron tax teams.
Marc Stein, NBA insider, also confirmed that the New York Knicks remain a hot pick for George. Speculating on the scenario, Stein signifies that an opt-in by George for his final contract season could strategically position him to press for a trade to another team.
Rivalry from 76ers?
Ironically, the Knicks’ biggest question remains; “How much are they willing to sacrifice for George?” However, all these discussions may lose relevance if other teams with huge cap space like the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic break the bank with an alluring offer, landing George in NBA free agency.
Stein highlights that the 76ers are potentially a serious contender for George. Will the 76ers stagger their interest in Paul George? That’s still up in the air. The league continues to observe with subdued trust, only sure of a resolution when George finalizes terms with the Clippers or drops anchor elsewhere, somewhere not Philly.
Overall, the intrigue continues as the fate of Paul George sparks debate across the NBA world, with the New York Knicks emerging as an exciting team to observe. Only time will reveal where this 9-time All-star player will pitch his tent next season.