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Paul George’s absence of an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers is speaking volumes. At the very least, it implies a complicated negotiation process; at the very worst, it suggests he’s a real, if not likely, flight risk.
Philadelphia is often painted as the biggest threat to poach George if he bolts Tinseltown. That makes sense. The Sixers have the cap space to sign him outright and two other stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and his arrival solidifies their spot among the league’s contenders.
You know what, though? The Knicks work, too.
And not only do they work, but they’re the better fit.
New York’s roster at full strength is deeper than that of Philadelphia, which needs to gut its own ranks to sign or trade for George (player option). The Knicks, meanwhile, have Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby (unrestricted), Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein (Early Bird free agent), Deuce McBride and Bojan Bogdanović.
To be sure, a chunk of New York’s depth would be sent out to acquire George, who must agree to an opt-in-and-trade and then sign an extension later. But the Knicks shouldn’t have to give up much to get him.
George has leverage over the Clippers, since he can threaten to leave for nothing if they don’t facilitate his relocation to a preferred destination. I previously wrote about what a package from the Knicks could look like, and in retrospect, it was too aggressive. New York could feasibly exit this scenario sending out Randle, Bogdanović and maybe a pick or two.
That’s a deal the Knicks have to do. George is 34, but the (assumed) opportunity cost would leave most of their draft stash intact. They’d have another big move up their sleeve if they need one.
Not that they would. A core of PG, Brunson, OG, Hart, DiVincenzo, Robinson, McBride and (probably) Hartenstein isn’t just a contender. It forecasts as a potential superpower.
Footing the bill for George beyond next season may give the Knicks pause, but it shouldn’t. Having other assets and actual depth should allow him to age gracefully. He can settle into a second option role on offense, and OG limits his responsibilities on defense.
Whether New York wants to give up on Randle when it could be an Eastern Conference finalist remains to be seen. It should be open to the idea.
Randle has made strides to become more plug and play, but George’s offense is even more complementary and he keeps more in theme with the hyper-versatile lineups head coach Tom Thibodeau is currently leaning on.
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