Knicks May Pursue Paul George If He Opts In, Seeks Trade

[RealGM Wiretap]

Paul George is considered the key free agent "domino" by at least one NBA team. That's a sentiment likely shared by many teams.

If George hits free agency, he's expected to have several suitors. That may be true, even if George takes another path and opts into his contract and seeks a trade. That will open up the market to teams that can't pursue the LA Clippers star in free agency or via sign-and-trade.

One team that may have interest in trading for an opted-in George is the New York Knicks. A lack of cap space, and potential hard-cap issues that would arise via sign-and-trade, would keep the Knicks from pursuing George unless he opts in for $48.8 million for next season.

If George opts in, he'd have to wait six months, but could eventually work out an extension with a new team. An extend-and-trade transaction is also possible, but less likely.

Via Marc Stein/The Stein Line

[HaydukesRedux]

"May"

The, "Knicks May..."

Yup, they may consider wearing flipflops during games too...

I know it is a slow time of year the NBA late June, "(this team) may consider anything and everything." is so weak.

[elmdawgg69]

I’m all for this if Terrance Mann is included with PG, for OG, Bogi, and two unprotected FRPs.

[Darthlukey]

I’m all for this if Terrance Mann is included with PG, for OG, Bogi, and two unprotected FRPs.

That seems like way too much for PG, well and truly. The clippers make out like bandits

[23artest23]

I’m all for this if Terrance Mann is included with PG, for OG, Bogi, and two unprotected FRPs.

That seems steep. Knicks already gave up Quickley, Barrett, and a 2nd to get OG and then to send OG out plus Bogey and 2 unprotected FRPs...that would've been steep back a few years ago let alone now.

[elmdawgg69]

I’m all for this if Terrance Mann is included with PG, for OG, Bogi, and two unprotected FRPs.

That seems steep. Knicks already gave up Quickley, Barrett, and a 2nd to get OG and then to send OG out plus Bogey and 2 unprotected FRPs...that would've been steep back a few years ago let alone now.

We are talking about PG here… one of the consistent top 15 players in the game for the past 10 years. Better to trade OG than lose him for nothing to Philly… and Bogi is old and washed up now. It’s like the Knicks are trading two FRPs for George and Mann, whom I think will thrive off the bench under Thibs.

[Pr0nzingis]

I’m all for this if Terrance Mann is included with PG, for OG, Bogi, and two unprotected FRPs.

The definition of clueless. No one in their right mind would even trade OG for that old fart.

[Spot31]

NY don't want that old bum.

[_BALLDONTLIE]

We are talking about PG here… one of the consistent top 15 players in the game for the past 10 years. Better to trade OG than lose him for nothing to Philly… and Bogi is old and washed up now. It’s like the Knicks are trading two FRPs for George and Mann, whom I think will thrive off the bench under Thibs.

Regardless of whether that's an overpay for PG or not (it is) — if OG decides he wants to go to Philly how can the Knicks sign and trade him to LAC?

[elmdawgg69]

We are talking about PG here… one of the consistent top 15 players in the game for the past 10 years. Better to trade OG than lose him for nothing to Philly… and Bogi is old and washed up now. It’s like the Knicks are trading two FRPs for George and Mann, whom I think will thrive off the bench under Thibs.

Regardless of whether that's an overpay for PG or not (it is) — if OG decides he wants to go to Philly how can the Knicks sign and trade him to LAC?

Bc Philly won’t give him the 4 yr $160 million contract he wants. LA is now a player because they can free up cap space by trading PG.

[Temuhjan]

Regardless of whether that's an overpay for PG or not (it is) — if OG decides he wants to go to Philly how can the Knicks sign and trade him to LAC?

Bc Philly won’t give him the 4 yr $160 million contract he wants. LA is now a player because they can free up cap space by trading PG.

I doubt if the Knicks (or any team for that matter) will give PG a 4 yr $160m extension neither LOL

[_BALLDONTLIE]

We are talking about PG here… one of the consistent top 15 players in the game for the past 10 years. Better to trade OG than lose him for nothing to Philly… and Bogi is old and washed up now. It’s like the Knicks are trading two FRPs for George and Mann, whom I think will thrive off the bench under Thibs.

Regardless of whether that's an overpay for PG or not (it is) — if OG decides he wants to go to Philly how can the Knicks sign and trade him to LAC?

Bc Philly won’t give him the 4 yr $160 million contract he wants. LA is now a player because they can free up cap space by trading PG.

NY will definitely offer him at least 4/160 so that means Philly is not real competition for OG.. Leon Rose (Knicks GM) and his son (OG's agent) are just faking a negotiation right now.

I do think Philly ultimately would be willing to pay that price too. PG is a consolation prize compared to OG for either of these teams.

[Wildcat]

Anyone believing OG is leaving NYK is on some serious crack.