As things are now, Clippers the Knicks seem to want to handle their situation like the Phoenix Suns did after a terrible season: by saying everything is fine and planning to keep the same team next season. For a team like the Knicks, who may want to add more star players through a trade this summer, this may not be good news. Knicks Maybe, but maybe not.
If the Clippers decide that this year’s early exit in the playoffs against Dallas, as they move into their new building, is not a problem, it will prevent the Knicks from trading for a player they are interested in.
If the Clippers think that their early exit from the playoffs this year is not a big deal, it will make it impossible for the Knicks to get Paul George . The Knicks could be a possible new team for George if he chooses to stay for the final year of his $176 million contract and requests a trade.
But maybe it’s better if he doesn't. There are doubts about how George would fit with the Knicks and their tough coach Tom Thibodeau.
“They would definitely consider adding him to their team if he becomes available again,” a manager from an Eastern Conference team told Heavy Sports. “He would be a good fit as a player with size, versatility, and scoring ability. So yes, if he becomes available, they would consider it again.
“But his attitude, I'm not sure. From what I see, I think Thibs might not like having him as a Knick.”
The Knicks discussed a trade with the Clippers last year.
When the manager says “again,” he is talking about last summer when the Clippers had some initial discussions about trading George. There were a few talks that didn't go very far, including with the Knicks. In the end, the Knicks weren't interested in George, although it's unclear if that had anything to do with Thibodeau. George is definitely talented, and in the past year, he was an All-Star who averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists, with a shooting percentage of 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from the 3-point line. These stats would be a good fit for the Knicks, and New York could offer a package centered around Julius Randle
and draft picks for George. But he had a disappointing performance in the playoffs again, and his lack of success in the playoffs has been a problem throughout his career.After the Clippers were knocked out of the playoffs this year, George received some criticism for not being very concerned about the loss and telling reporters, “You work hard all summer. You train for these moments. So, if you fail, you fail. Live with the results.” Paul George has a history with Tom Thibodeau. All of this might not matter if the initial signals about what the Clippers plan to do this offseason hold true. The team already has often-injured forward
Kawhi Leonard
signed to a contract extension and is planning to offer a new deal to
James Harden
as well as an extension for George. This is according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who also wrote that the Clippers want to keep coach Ty Lue in place. Wojnarowski stated: “The Clippers didn't have All-NBA forward
Kawhi Leonard for most of their first-round series due to inflammation in his right knee, but the organization’s aim is still to retain the free agents James Harden
with Leonard, according to sources. If the Knicks do get involved in trade talks for George, it's worth noting that the two have prior experience together from their time with Team USA. George expressed his admiration for Thibodeau, so they likely have a positive relationship. But would that endure in an 82-game season? George explained last summer: Paul George and “I admire Thibs, Thibs was entertaining, we were on the all-star USA team, and he’s still pushing us … But I admire Thibs, I had an incredible experience and connection with Thibs.”
Clippers star Paul George has a history with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. But does he desire to coach him?
But would that last in an 82-game season? George explained last summer:
“Love Thibs, Thibs was funny man, we got the all-star USA team, and he’s still drilling us … But I love Thibs, I had an unbelievable experience and relationship with Thibs.”
