The Hypothetical Trade:
New York Knicks acquire Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers acquire RJ Barrett, Dennis Smith Jr., Taj Gibson, and Wayne Ellington, 2020 First-Round Pick
Berman, in the piece quoted in slide one, posits that New York may have to part with one of either RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson, plus additional assets to get George out of Los Angeles.
In this hypothetical, we go with Barrett for a few reasons. First, he plays the same position as George, and having a high profile-trade acquisition at the same position as a lottery pick in New York would invite scrutiny from media and fans alike about Barrett’s development.
But also, if the Knicks were to move Robinson in this deal, they do not have a replacement on the current roster who could immediate step in and even match his production, let alone exceed it.
So in this hypothetical, Barrett is dealt to Los Angeles, along with Dennis Smith Jr., Taj Gibson and Wayne Ellington to match George’s salary.
