NBA rumors: Knicks avoided Paul George before Mikal Bridges trade

New York Knicks considered trading for Paul George, but opted for Mikal Bridges instead. Focus now on draft and retaining players.

According to Marc Stein, the New York Knicks have been exploring trade options for star players like Paul George, Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it seems like these players are unlikely to be available for trade in the near future, leading the Knicks to make a surprising move by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Nets.

While Paul George was a potential target for the Knicks, the logistics of acquiring him, including his contract situation and the salary cap implications, made it a challenging endeavor. Additionally, George's age and injury history raised concerns about his fit with the team's timeline and roster composition.

The trade for Mikal Bridges, while not yet finalized, seems to be a better fit for the Knicks in terms of chemistry, health, play style, and age. Pairing Bridges with his former college teammates and potentially re-signing OG Anunoby could make the Knicks a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, challenging teams like the Boston Celtics.

As the focus shifts to the upcoming draft and free agency, the Knicks are positioning themselves to continue building a competitive roster that can make noise in the playoffs. The team's strategic moves and calculated risks demonstrate their commitment to long-term success and sustainable growth in the NBA.