Feb 4, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) looks to drive past LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks News: Potential trade target leaves Klutch, Clippers like RJ Barrett
In what was quickly labeled as a blessing in disguise, it was reported last week by New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy that Zach LaVine’s camp was against a trade to the New York Knicks because of CAA favoritism. LaVine is represented by Klutch Sport’s Rich Paul.
Paul and Leon Rose, who used to be CAA’s top agent before being hired as New York’s president, have reportedly been at odds for years now.
If it’s true that Paul is against a LaVine trade to the Knicks, that isn’t something that fans should lose sleep over. In fact, it’s something that many fans should now be getting better sleep over as they haven’t had to worry about being haunted by LaVine trade nightmares.
Outside of LaVine, there’s another Klutch client that New York could pursue in a trade. Well, now he’s set to be a former Klutch client. According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), “Word is Anunoby is leaving Klutch Sports and soon to choose new representation.” Stein added that Toronto hasn’t shown interest in engaging in Anunoby trade talks, but the 25-year-old reportedly leaving Klutch could be an open door for New York to reach out about a possible trade.
More Knicks news
- Amid the Paul George-Knicks trade rumors, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that RJ Barrett has fans in the Clippers organization. It’s assumed that if New York and LA seriously engage in trade talks for PG13, the Clippers would want Barrett included in the package.
- The Knicks declined Derrick Rose’s $15.6 million option for 2023-24, but a return to New York in free agency hasn’t been ruled out yet.
- Josh Hart originally had to decide on his $12.96 player option by midnight on June 24, but he and the Knicks extended the decision to midnight on Thursday, June 29. He could opt-in and be eligible to sign an extension worth up to four years, $81 million ahead of the 2024-25 season.
NBA news
- The Hawks finally traded John Collins on Monday, but only for a second-round pick and Rudy Gay. The Jazz were able to get the 25-year-old for next to nothing.
- Victor Wembanyama won’t play for France in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. The No. 1 pick is focused on playing in Summer League and preparing for the 2023-24 season.
- The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported (subscription required) that Damian Lillard will have “serious interest” in a trade to the Heat if he decides to move on from the Trail Blazers. Lillard met with Portland on Monday to talk about his future.
- ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Monday that if Draymond Green doesn’t re-sign with the Warriors in free agency, the Kings and Pistons could be in the mix to sign him.
