‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Paul George To Knicks, Julius Randle To Clippers

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Clippers and Knicks: 

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Bojan Bogdanović, Julius Randle, Jericho Sims, No. 24 pick, No. 38 pick, Milwaukee’s 2025 first-round pick (top-four protection), 2026 first-round pick

New York Knicks Receive: Paul George (must opt in)

The Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games. George has a player option for next season worth $48.8 million.

The Clippers, who have never made the NBA Finals in franchise history, have until June 30 to sign George to an extension. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.

George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Clippers this season while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line. 

The Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of this year’s playoffs in six games. Randle dislocated his right shoulder on January 27 against the Miami Heat and was lost for the season. 

A Kentucky product, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists this season for the Knicks while shooting 47.2% from the floor, 31.1% from 3 and 78.1% from the free-throw line.

“Enter the Knicks. They’d allow George to settle in as a No. 2 option, and they boast the necessary depth to optimize his aging curve and potential absences,” Favale wrote. “The Clippers might prefer a different package. This is where the threat of George’s free agency—and, specifically, the Philadelphia 76ers’ cap space—comes into play.

“If the alternative is losing him for nothing, this deal qualifies as pretty sweet. Both Bogdanović and Randle (2025-26 player option) bring shot creation on short-term commitments. While Randle is often dismissed by everyone (including Knicks fans), his playmaking and capacity for accessory duty improved this year.”

George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers, while Randle has career averages of 19.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Knicks.