Kristaps Porzingis may not be the only star swapping teams before the 2023 NBA Draft. Longtime Knicks beat writer Ian Begley confirmed today that New York has engaged in preliminary discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers to pry Paul George away from L.A.
A few pre-draft notes on the Knicks, Paul George, Obi Toppin, Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo: pic.twitter.com/AGiXXBgqbb
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 22, 2023
It remains unclear which team initiated the call, but oddsmakers seem to suspect it was the Knicks. A new market for Paul George next team odds emerged minutes after Begley's report surfaced, and the Clippers are prohibitive favorites to keep their All-NBA wing in-house for a least a little longer.
Paul George's next team odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
 Los Angeles Clippers |
-1,000 |
 Portland Trail Blazers |
+600 |
 Atlanta Hawks |
+1,600 |
 Brooklyn Nets |
+2,500 |
 Dallas Mavericks |
+3,000 |
 Miami Heat |
+5,000 |
 Philadelphia 76ers |
+5,000 |
 Houston Rockets |
+5,000 |
 New York Knicks |
+5,000 |
Odds as of June 22, 2023.
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Favorites to acquire Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers (-1,000)
The Clippers are mired in a difficult spot, having mortgaged their future for two expensive star swingmen that can't seem to see the floor together.
While the ostensible ceiling of a Paul George-Kawhi Leonard duo is Finals-high, both have been selectively available for four seasons now, prompting speculation that L.A. might be open to an exit strategy.
Just how open remains to be seen, and the market certainly isn't high on the prospect of PG being moved. However, as we've seen with this week's NBA Draft odds, circumstances can change quickly and drastically, with several teams seemingly "one piece away" in a title chase many GMs likely still view as accessible.
Portland Trail Blazers (+600)
One team that's been linked to trade rumors all over the league is the Trail Blazers, so it's not shocking to see them tops among eligible suitors.
It's unclear whether Portland's a buyer or seller at this point, largely contingent on what Damian Lillard desires, and if he's finally ready to move on from the franchise after years of mediocrity.
Of course, should Lillard stay, the Blazers will be all-in on surrounding him with winning talent, and George would be a natural fit next to him on the wing. Portland has a diverse array of appealing assets should the Clippers look to unload him and recoup some future equity.
Atlanta Hawks (+1,600)
The Hawks have tried for several seasons to duplicate the success of their 2021 playoff run, but can't seem to find the consistency (or the defense) to get them past the first round.
With Trae Young seemingly plateauing as the league's most blatant one-way star, and becoming an increasingly high-key malcontent, there could be major shakeups in deck in the ATL, whether the team chooses to jettison Young or fortify the roster around him.
Atlanta's comical mismanagement of swingmen over the past few seasons makes you wonder how exactly PG would fit into its picture, but he's a fairly obvious talent upgrade for a team that could send an attractive package of current assets back to the Clippers.
Putting the P in Portland?
With the Clippers heavy favorites to retain George, the only value in this market exists with other teams, even if it seems very unlikely for him to be traded.
The offseason can be so fickle and unpredictable that laying -1,000 on a team in a very volatile market with plenty of impetus for a shake-up to hold onto a trade chip seems foolhardy.
Portland and L.A. are both franchises at crossroads, who similarly haven't cracked the West's top tier despite years of minor tinkering around the same stars and identity.
The Clippers need to salvage some future potential, the Blazers need to contend with Lillard still in his prime, and landing PG for a package centered around the No. 3 pick and Anfernee Simons or Shaedon Sharpe would help accomplish both ends, likely keeping Lillard in Portland.
The "where there's smoke" saying applies here, and there's been smoke around the Blazers (pun not intended) for years. It's enough to make sprinkling on Portland the most appealing option on this board.
My best bet: Portland Trail Blazers (+600)
