The basketball world was hit with a shockwave when NBA rumors came out pertaining to the Los Angeles Clippers potentially parting ways with Paul George this summer. This would mark the end of the PG-Kawhi Leonard era in LA, which would also indicate the team conceding their failed experiment on this superstar duo.
Nothing has materialized just yet, but apparently one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Eastern Conference rivals had a real shot to trade for the eight-time All-Star — except that they didn’t.
New York Turned Down Chance To Trade For Paul George
According to NBA insider Alan Hahn of ESPN and the MSG Network, the New York Knicks actually rejected a potential blockbuster deal for Paul George. Apparently, New York did not like the numbers:
“They had a chance to get Paul George,” Hahn said. “They said it was too expensive, they don’t want to do it. They’ve already backed outta that. They talked to the Clippers, the Clippers gave what it would cost, then Paul George said ‘But I want an extension.’ And they said ‘We’re not doing that.’ And they walked away. So Paul George…as far as now goes, it’s off the table.”
It is unclear what New York would have had to give up in order to acquire PG, but at this point, that’s all water under the bridge already. Nevertheless, it would have been very interesting to see what he could have done in New York alongside Jalen Brunson and Co.
For Los Angeles, this seems to be an indication that Paul could still be had — at the right price, of course.
Bucks, Knicks Renew Rivalry In 2023-24
New York would have probably been a stronger side with PG in the mix, provided that they did not have to give up some key pieces in the deal. They are coming off a noteworthy season that saw them go all the way to the East Semis after making the playoffs for just the second time in nine years. They will obviously want to build on this success for 2023-24.
Could New York be a real threat in the East this coming season? The Bucks themselves are looking to bounce back this year after a disappointing campaign, and clearly, Milwaukee wants to win it all again this season. The Bucks might need to go through the Knicks in the playoffs this year and this would potentially be a rekindling of an old rivalry. The last time these two teams matched up in the playoffs was all the way back in 1970, and it’s due time that they battle it out again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paul George go to LA?
Paul George went to LA on July 6, 2019. This surprising move shook the NBA as Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN revealed that Paul George was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Los Angeles Clippers. In exchange, the Thunder received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a collection of draft picks that extend into the 2020s.
Why did the Clippers get sold?
Clippers co-owner Shelly Sterling decided to sell the team last week rather than fight to maintain half ownership in part. This is because of a novel arrangement that will make her “owner emeritus” and fund a major foundation to serve the poor, minorities and battered spouses, according to people familiar with the $2-billion.
