Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George’s future remains up in the air, and according to National Basketball Association (NBA) insider Marc Stein, the small forward could potentially move to the New York Knicks.
Stein reported that the Knicks are a major trade suitor should George decide to opt into his $48.8 million player option for the 2024/25 NBA season. This will depend on what the player wants, as even at 34-years-old, he remains a rare player whose defensive nous can be very valuable for a team.
“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. That step would position George to push for a trade to another team,” Stein wrote.
Where is Paul George going?🤔 pic.twitter.com/YM1pLNhGT1
— . (@BRUNS0N1SH1M) June 23, 2024
The 34-year-old was his usual, consistent self on the court in the recently concluded 2023/24 NBA season. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in 74 appearances, leading the Clippers to a 51-31 win-loss record and the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
Despite that, the Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks, who reached the Finals. While retaining George will be important for the franchise, the management could decide to trade him and start a rebuilding process, recouping some value instead of losing him to the highest bidder.
It has also been reported that the Clippers have offered George a three-year, $149.7 million contract extension, similar to the one Kawhi Leonard signed in January, but George wants a better deal.
From the player’s perspective, the opt-in-and-request-a-trade-option would allow George to get the contract that he wants. However, despite all the rumors surrounding the player, it is understood that George would prefer to stay with the Clippers if they can offer him a better contract and meet his financial demands.
Selected as the tenth overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA draft, George has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and now the Clippers. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2019, the NBA steals leader in 2019, and is a nine-time NBA All-Star, among other honors.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
