Grade the Trade: Knicks add Paul George in big-time trade proposal

The New York Knicks aren’t ones to stand pat all too often. They have big-time aspirations and are in a big-time market, giving them the confidence to take big swings. Last summer that meant signing Jalen Brunson to a hefty contract in free agency, and one All-Star caliber season later that looks like a coup.

The Knicks are in a unique position, with a team that is good now, stocked with young talent that would be attractive to other teams in trade, and with extra draft picks down the road to include in deals. That makes them players in trade discussions for virtually any player that comes available on the market.

The New York Knicks were discussing a Paul George trade

That’s why it comes as no surprise that they were reportedly talking to the LA Clippers about a trade for All-NBA wing Paul George. Mike Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the two teams got close on a deal involving Obi Toppin, but after those didn’t come to fruition the Knicks moved Toppin to Indiana.

Are the trade talks dead? Not necessarily, and the addition of George would give them a proven veteran star to pair with Brunson and Julius Randle. Should the Knicks pay the Clippers’ price for George? And should they then sign him to a lucrative contract extension? Let’s look at a potential deal for George and seek to answer both questions.