Trade talks between the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks about a deal for Paul George recently fell apart not just over rumors of the All-Star wanting an extension but also the wild return LA was looking for in the trade.
There is a real possibility Paul George could one day be inducted into the professional basketball Hall-of-Fame. He is an eight-time All-Star that has averaged over 20 points per game during his 13-year career and topped 23 or more in six of those seasons, including in 2022-2023.
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However, for as good as George can be when he is on the court, there is an equally consistent narrative about his recent career. The 33-year-old gets hurt a lot. During his four-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, he has never played in more than 56 games, and it has been poorly timed because star teammate Kawhi Leonard is another elite-level player that has trouble staying on the court.
It is why the organization has been open to trading him this offseason despite being an All-Star again this season. In recent weeks, the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks were reportedly in discussions about a trade that would send George to Gotham. And the Knicks were the team that allegedly started the talks. However, it seems those conversations recently ceased.
Los Angeles Clippers wanted RJ Barrett and 3 first-round picks in Paul George trade
Earlier this week it was reported that George wanting an extension after a trade was something New York had no interest in. But it seems that it was more than just that. On Thursday, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported that the trade talks originally included the Knicks sending Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, and three first-round picks to LA.
When Toppin was moved to Indiana, the Los Angeles Clippers then suggested adding RJ Barrett to the deal instead. While the former first-round pick is not a player at George’s level, he is still a talent that has scored right around 20 points per game the past two seasons and is only 23. Grimes is another one-time first-round pick with upside.
Those two players, along with three premium first-round picks is a pretty steep price for a competitor who has shown his body can’t hold up to the rigors of a season anymore, and it’s understandable why the Knicks balked at a deal, especially when George required an extension.