Should the Knicks enter the Paul George SweepStakes?
By now everyone knows that Paul George is available. I have talked to a few fans from different teams and every one of them thinks he will end up on their team. Surprisingly the Knicks name has not been mentioned. This is a franchise that loves to pounce on star players when they become available. Like the Lakers, the Knicks are a franchise that is most successful when they have big marquee players on the roster. So why aren't the Knicks in the sweepstakes and what would it take to make a trade?
It feels like every summer the Knicks are a crossroads with Melo, should he stay or should they trade him. At this point neither direction would shock me but if you are the Knicks could you imagine keeping Melo and trading for PG-13. Easiest solution is dangling the #8pick, which on its own may get George because of the lack of leverage the Pacers have but the Knicks could easily add a piece not named Kristaps or Melo to raise the chances for a trade. The #8pick is a steep price but are we real in love with anyone at that position? The best players will be gone by pick 5, so George is worth more for a team like the Knicks that is more interested in contending than re-building.
Fit wise the Knicks would finally have a star that plays on both ends. They finally could say that they are legit threat in the East to make it to the conference finals. A trade for George also could welcome the Knicks to go all in and use the cap space to sign a Lowry or a Jrue Holiday. A some-what big four. That core could arguably be the second best team in the East and with the right bounces could be in the Finals.
The Knicks really have only one option this summer and that is to go all in. With players like George, Butler, Hayward and Griffin available, there is not much of a market for Melo. You might as well build to win now. We all know how the Knicks work they will do a few random moves and sign guys to bad contracts aka Noah from last year. Why not push for a legit player like George? He already is one of the best 2-way players in the league and plus if things don't work out both Melo and George are free agents in the summer, so you don't owe them any money after this year. You have chance at a restart if things don't work out. The risk is less and the #8pick is worth the shot to try to retain George after this season.
