Knicks Initiate Trade Talks With Clippers on Paul George, Quickly Have Change of Heart, per Report

It appears that New York’s trade discussions for the eight-time All-Star have come to an end.

Despite the Knicks reported interest to acquire Paul George in a trade, it appears that New York has changed its course of action as it pertains to the Clippers’ star.

Earlier Thursday, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks and Clippers had opened discussions about a potential deal for George. However, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported that a source close to the trade discussions stated there was “nothing” brewing for George and “don’t expect it [trade] to happen.”

Additionally, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Knicks became “hesitant” about trading for George following some internal discussions that included the franchise thinking the 33-year-old would ask for a contract extension. George is eligible to receive a four-year contract extension worth close to $220 million.

However, if he does not reach a new deal by the end of next season, he could decline his player option ahead of the 2024–25 campaign and become a free agent. Currently, George stands to earn $45.6 million in the 2023–24 season and $48 million in 2024–25, if he uses his player option.

George averaged 20.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43.7% from the floor last season. Though he earned his eighth All-Star appearance, he, along with star partner Kawhi Leonard, have struggled to stay healthy in Los Angeles.

Even with the health issues, George’s involvement in trade talks seems to go against what the Clippers management stated at the conclusion of the 2022–23 regular season. Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, referred to George and Leonard as “great players” that he wanted to “keep as Clippers for a long time,” per the Times. 

George has only played in an average of 47 games in each of his last three seasons and was unavailable to play in the Clippers postseason action after suffering a knee strain in March.