Knicks Trade Rumors: Rounding up the latest buzz as of Dec. 19

How It Impact The Knicks

All-NBA First Team mainstays aside, there may not be a better target for the New York Knicks than Paul George. George is an elite on-ball defender, a versatile scoring threat, and an experienced postseason player who would instantly make the Knicks relevant in the playoff discussion.

It’s highly unlikely that the Knicks would be able to convince the Oklahoma City Thunder to trade George to The Mecca, but it’s a compelling thought nonetheless.

By pairing George with Frank Ntilikina and Kristaps Porzingis, New York would have three players who can genuinely lock their positions down on defense. That alone would create the foundation for potentially elite execution on that end of the floor.

Offensively, George and Porzingis would share the scoring load and provide head coach Jeff Hornacek with a pair of stars who can get 30 whenever they need to.

Beyond the undeniable two-way appeal is the fact that George has the experience to be the co-star turned leader whom New York needs. George has already played in two Conference Finals as a No. 1 star, and he’s done so without playing with anyone quite like Porzingis.

Whether the Knicks find a way to sign him in free agency or trade for him before the deadline—without blowing the roster up—George must remain on the radar.