Just one season after bringing the team together, the L.A. Clippers are the verge of breaking it all apart. Following a tragically disappointing campaign, changes are on the horizon for the franchise that could involve their secondary star, Paul George.
His underwhelming performance was a huge component of their failure and has resulted in repeated questions regarding his leadership capabilities. Needless to say, the Clippers might just consider trading him if the right offer came around — and the Knicks might have what it takes to get it done.
In an article by Marc Berman of The New York Post, he notes several ways in which the Knickerbockers could land the 30-year-old swingman.
“After the Clippers blew that 3-1 lead to Denver, George reportedly annoyed teammates with a postgame sermon that hit the wrong chords, especially after his own disappointing output,” Berman wrote. “Owner Steve Ballmer reportedly was so incensed, he threatened to trade everybody and fire all the coaches. [Doc] Rivers was the first casualty.
“The Knicks desperately need a starting small forward since Marcus Morris was dealt to the Clippers. Because of his low-energy defense, Kevin Knox may only become at best a sixth-man scorer. This might be the deal in which the Knicks have to put either RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson on the table as George, 30, is in his two-way prime. He’s in the third year of a four-year, $136.9 million pact, making $35.4 million this season. The final year is a player option so George can become a free agent after next season.”
After a 21-45 finish this year, the Knicks are set to continue their search for a star into the 2020 offseason.
And while Paul George would be a far cry from the targets they were aiming for last summer, adding him would, absolutely, be a firm step in the right direction.
The 6-8 star averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 43% shooting this season.
