News for the Knicks Includes Possible Paul George Trade & Addition of Donte DiVincenzo

A few things to keep in mind as we head into the draught on Thursday night and the remainder of the offseason:

According to SNY’s sources, there has been communication between the Knicks and Clippers over a possible Paul George trade.

Whether or whether the Clippers would be willing to trade George is currently unknown.

According to a report from NBA draught analyst Marc Stein, the Clippers gave other clubs the notion that they were evaluating Paul George for trade value.

You would think that if the Clippers traded George, they would want to get back players who can help them win a championship in 2023-24.

Can the Knicks really give the Clippers that much back? The Knicks aren’t moving Jalen Brunson, so it’s unclear how they could deliver that kind of return in a three-team trade.

There is little doubt that New York can provide Los Angeles with a sizable amount of draught money in exchange. The Knicks will have eight first-round picks available for trade after Thursday’s draught.

In the fiscal year 2023–24, George will bring in $45.6 million. To comply with NBA trade regulations, the Knicks would have to send the Clippers at least $41.3 million in player salaries, or as little as $36.3 million if they want to be hard-capped at the first round.

In 2023–24, Evan Fournier’s salary will be $18.9 million. In addition to his impressive shooting from deep, Fournier’s contract is likely to be highly sought for by rival teams wanting to reduce their own future wage obligations. There is a 2024–25 team option in Fournier’s contract.

George, an eight-time All-Star, would be a huge boost for a Knicks club that just finished with 47 victories. The Clippers’ willingness to trade away George remains unclear.

My reporters at the Daily News, Newsday, and The Athletic have all covered Obi Toppin recently. From what I’ve heard, the Knicks wouldn’t be interested in trading Toppin if they found a way to get him more playing time on a consistent basis.

If the Knicks can’t find a way to get Toppin more playing time, he and the team will endeavour to find him a new team.

In 15.7 minutes per game, Toppin averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 rebounds as the Knicks’ first lottery pick under president Leon Rose.

Toppin’s highest average number of minutes played per game is 17. Strong performance by teammate Julius Randle, another power forward, has limited his playing time.

Since Toppin’s arrival in the NBA, Randle has been named to the All-NBA team twice and has appeared in two All-Star games.

It’s important remembering that the Pacers and Knicks were in serious discussions regarding a possible Toppin deal before the 2023 deadline. New York, I suspect, blocked negotiations by demanding large draught compensation.

Toppin had some cheerleaders in the Wizards’ organisation when former GM Tommy Sheppard was in charge, but this is hardly news.

I don’t know if there’s still that much of an interest now that Michael Winger is president of Monumental Basketball and Will Dawkins is the general manager of the Wizards.

If the Knicks deal Toppin for a draught pick on Thursday, they’ll need to replace his minutes with someone else.

This summer’s free agency period presents a golden opportunity to sign Donte DiVincenzo, who has widespread support within the organisation. In 2023-24, DiVincenzo can exercise a player option.

With their current roster intact, the Knicks will be able to use the non-tax payer exception worth $12.2 million this summer.

DiVincenzo played with both Brunson and Josh Hart while at Villanova, so I can’t say whether or not they’re still in touch. If Hart decides to test the free agency waters, it would be shocking if he didn’t re-sign with the New York Knicks on a multi-year deal.

MCBRIDE PICKING UP PASSION

The Knicks have gotten some interest in guard Miles McBride, who is a player of high value to the franchise. When reporters have asked head coach Tom Thibodeau about McBride, Thibodeau has always had nothing but wonderful things to say.

However, the Knicks’ logjam at his position has prevented McBride from seeing consistent playing time so far.

Many teams have asked about the availability of the Knicks’ 2021 second-round pick, guard McBride. By June 29th, the team must exercise its option to renew McBride’s contract.

The Knicks are likely to use their option if they are unable to deal for McBride before June 29.

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