Why the Clippers Do It

Because George will give them little choice.

The absence of an extension between these two sides is either ominous or evidence of nothing, depending on whom you ask.

If this is merely about paying him the full max, the Clippers will probably fold. Kawhi Leonard's latest right knee injury is a sobering reminder of the team's fragility and its need for superstar contingencies, even if said contingencies just turned 34 and don't have the cleanest availability track record themselves.

Everything changes if George is rethinking his place inside Los Angeles' pecking order or wondering what it'd be like to play with a younger, more available core. Picking up his player option would delay his next big payday, but it would allow him to control where he goes if his preferred destination doesn't have cap space.

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. 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.

Sims is a viable second-line center—and would be a nice functional change-up from Mason Plumlee and Daniel Theis. Three first-round picks, along with a high second-rounder, could help the Clippers flesh out their rotation on the cheap or serve as a springboard to another trade.

Why the Knicks Do It

Jalen Brunson's ascent into All-NBA territory and the MVP conversation both increases New York's urgency to bag another top-end name and allows it to adjust the search. This team no longer needs someone who's better than Brunson. It can target his equal—or somebody close to it.

George fits that ethos. He would upgrade the Knicks' shot creation beyond Brunson without monopolizing the offense, and his defense remains elite when he's not overaggressive (and fully locked in).

New York would undoubtedly prefer someone younger and more cost effective. But acquiring George under these circumstances is cheaper in its own right.

Since he'd be the one driving negotiations under the threat of his departure, the Knicks shouldn't have to cough up a king's ransom. This package—and even a framework that entails them giving up slightly more—keeps the meat and potatoes of their nucleus intact without bankrupting their draft-pick armory.

The end result? A rotation headlined by Brunson, George, OG Anunoby (assuming he re-signs), Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein (Early Bird free agent) and Deuce McBride.

Put another way? Title contention.