Insider reveals details of Knicks-Clippers Paul George negotiations

As first reported by SNY's Ian Begley, the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers held trade conversations centered around Paul George leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft. Although an agreement failed to materialize, the details of the negotiations have been revealed. 

Per HoopHype’s Michael Scotto, the Knicks and Clippers discussed multiple packages for George, initially including forward Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier and three first-round picks. During their talks, the Clippers countered by asking for RJ Barrett instead of Toppin. Toppin has since been traded to the Indiana Pacers. 

If the Knicks agreed to Los Angeles’ terms, they also would've had to extend George, as he’s likely to decline his player option for the 2024-25 season. 

While there are few players who would be a better fit for this current Knicks roster than George, New York chose wisely to pass on the two reported deals. Aside from having to give a 33-year-old with injury concerns a max contract, there aren't that many potential targets the Knicks should consider offloading Barrett for.

The former third overall pick hasn't shown he's an All-Star caliber player thus far in his career, but he has averaged 19.8 points per game over the last two seasons. At just 23 years old, there's no reason to believe Barrett will decline in the immediate future, especially since the Knicks finally have a competent floor general in Jalen Brunson.

Additionally, the Knicks just made a four-year, $107 million pact with Barrett last offseason, which is one of the better-valued contracts in the NBA. Although Barrett's contract might be New York's strongest trade chip, it would need to be part of a deal for someone younger and more prominent than George. 

With George no longer an option, and the unlikelihood of pursuing James Harden or Damian Lillard, the Knicks will reportedly target "prime-aged veterans" to wrap up their relatively quiet offseason. Per The Athletic's Fred Katz, New York has offered teams packages around some of its young pieces to accomplish that goal.

The Knicks have already lost out on a potential target in Grant Williams, so they'll have to act fast to acquire that impact veteran they are seeking.