Despite having added Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks fanbase still wants another All-Star to form an illustrious Big 3 to hold down Madison Square Garden. Earlier reports suggested the Knicks’ chances of adding star talents such as Paul George or others this summer may be all but gone.
But it’s not for lack of trying, from New York’s front office, led by president Leon Rose. The Knicks made a minor splash in free agency, landing Donte DiVincenzo to form New York’s own mini-Big 3, reuniting Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart from their Villanova days, but they almost made even bigger waves.
According to ESPN’s Alan Hahn, the Knicks were in trade discussions for six-time All-NBA swingman Paul George this summer but opted against the move. The issues stemmed from the Knicks not being willing to meet the Clippers’ asking price while also being unwilling to hand George a contract extension.
- Paul George’s stats last season: 23.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 45% FG, 37% 3PT
George is entering the second to last year of his contract and the final year before he’s given a $48.7 million player option. Typically players will use that player option to weigh whether they can cash in with an even larger offer in free agency or head to a new team before deciding to return to their originally agreed contract.
But in George’s case, he was seeking assurance that he wouldn’t have to go through that headache next offseason by landing a new extension now. The Knicks weren’t willing to do it. George is set to earn $45.6 million during the 2023-24 campaign.
So instead of being able to add the 33-year-old eight-time All-Star, the Knicks will move forward with the core they already have, knowing another star will likely become available in the near future.