The LA Clippers and Paul George have yet to reach a contract extension agreement, which is one of the NBA’s biggest offseason stories to follow. Unlike most years, there are at least a few teams with the opportunity to offer star free agents like George both big money and the opportunity to win.
While George’s return to the Clippers continues to be the most likely scenario given where both he and the organization are in their respective timelines, the lack of a deal leaves open the possibility of him moving elsewhere. In a recent article by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, a hypothetical George was proposed for the New York Knicks trade.
In this deal, the Knicks would receive George (who is expected to opt into the final year of his contract), and the Clippers would receive Bojan Bogdanovic, Julius Randle, Jericho Sims, a No. 1 pick. 24, a pick no. 38, Milwaukee’s 2025 first-round pick (top-four protection) and 2026 first-round pick.
Randle is obviously the biggest name headed to Los Angeles in this deal, as his $30 million salary would also be a requirement to make such a deal work. Randle was an All-Star this season for the third time in his career, but only played in 46 games. While Randle is five years younger than George and could theoretically fit into Los Angeles’ current timeline and whatever they intend to do beyond the Kawhi Leonard era, it seems unlikely that the framework for such a deal will become possible.