Paul George's next stop reportedly could be with the New York Knicks.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Knicks are a "potential trade suitor" if the nine-time All-Star was to opt in to his $48.8 million player option for 2024-25.
"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. "That step would position George to push for a trade to another team."
George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 74 games in 2023-24. He helped the Clippers go 51-31 and earn the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, although it would fall in the first round to the Dallas Mavericks.
While retaining George and pushing for a championship could be intriguing for the Clippers, the strong depth within the conference could push the team to look towards a retooling stage. Trading George could jumpstart that process and put it in a position to recoup some value instead of potentially losing him to the highest bidder.
New York earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and advanced to the second round. George could potentially be the piece that helps the Knicks push further in the postseason and could form a core with Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Julius Randle.
