This proposed blockbuster trade sees the Clippers and Knicks exchange stars.

The Los Angeles Clippers are a team that fell short of winning the championship this year, despite high expectations going into the season. Injuries were their undoing once again, as Kawhi Leonard injured his knee after Game 2 of the playoffs, while Paul George was injured going into the postseason with a knee sprain as well.

It is clear that at this point, the team needs to try and acquire durable players who can help them throughout the regular season, and stay healthy in time for the postseason. Kawhi Leonard is better than Paul George and has shown that he can be the No. 1 player on a championship team, so it makes sense to move George. This proposed trade moves George for New York Knicks star Julius Randle, who played 77 out of 82 games during the 2022-23 season.

New York Knicks Receive: Paul George, Amir Coffey

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Julius Randle, Evan Fournier

There is no doubt that this trade could potentially be a smart move for both the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks. Here is why both sides should consider making this trade at some point before the start of the season.

The New York Knicks Land A Forward That Can Elevate Their Ceiling

Even though Paul George has been a No. 2 option for the Los Angeles Clippers, it is clear that he could end up being the No. 1 option for the New York Knicks from a scoring standpoint. Paul George is a shot-creating forward that can score on all three levels, and his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set is exactly what the New York Knicks are missing right now. Last season, Paul George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Though Paul George does have some injury issues, he is a better player than Julius Randle and will increase the ceiling for the New York Knicks. The team has the personnel to withstand George missing 20+ games in the regular season, as Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jalen Brunson can definitely provide enough offense in that setting. Paul George’s true value for the Knicks will be in the playoffs, where he can help them win games that get stagnant.

At this point, it is fair to say that Julius Randle is a playoff dropper, as he only averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 37.4/25.8/70.9 splits in the 2023 playoffs, as compared to his regular season averages of 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 45.9/34.3/75.7 splits. Trading him for Paul George wouldn’t necessarily hurt the Knicks in the playoffs.

This trade would also help the New York Knicks move off of Evan Fournier’s contract, s the veteran scorer has fallen out of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation. That is obviously a benefit from a financial standpoint.

Trading for Paul George could be a risk for the New York Knicks based on his injury issues and age. However he is still playing at a high level right now, and if the goal is to win a championship within the next few years, then this trade makes absolute sense.

The Los Angeles Clippers Land A Durable Star Next To Kawhi Leonard

Even though Julius Randle doesn’t necessarily have the playoff track record that Paul George does, he is more durable and is far more likely to actually contribute in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Clippers and be available.

Though Randle has not done well in the playoffs this far, playing with an offensive threat like Kawhi Leonard will make his life easier. As of right now, Randle commands a lot of the defense’s attention on the Knicks, and he was the No. 1 scoring option on the team in the regular season and at points in the postseason. That should be different on the Clippers, where Randle would be a secondary scorer.

This deal would also have the Los Angeles Clippers land Evan Fournier, who is an experienced veteran that can create his own shot and shoot from range. He could be of use to the Clippers coming off the bench, but could also be inserted into the starting lineup if the team needs more spacing.

Overall, this trade for the Los Angeles Clippers is about moving an older, injury-prone star for a player that is younger and far more durable. It makes sense given the team’s struggle with injuries over the last few seasons, and perhaps it is time to try something new for the Clippers.

This Trade Could Be Good For Both Teams’ Chances

This is a good trade for both the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. In this trade scenario, both sides would get players that address their current issues and holes in their rosters.

The New York Knicks would get a player that is proven in the playoffs and could help the team get further than the second round. Paul George would definitely improve the overall talent level on the roster, and he and Jalen Brunson seem like a natural fit. The Knicks might need more players with experience, and getting an experienced star is even better.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers would become get a more durable star in Julius Randle, which could mean they get home-court advantage ahead of the 2024 playoffs. It is clear that the team’s approach has not worked during the last few seasons when it comes to banking on the talent of two frequently unavailable stars. Julius Randle is consistently available, and even if he doesn’t play well in the playoffs, at least he suits up.

It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks would ever come together on a deal with this framework. This deal could be the solution for both teams, and we will see what happens in the future.