New NBA champion means first title for one team’s GM

Paul George is considered the key free agent “domino” by at least one NBA team. That’s a sentiment likely shared by many teams.

If George hits free agency, he’s expected to have several suitors. That may be true, even if George takes another path and opts into his contract and seeks a trade. That will open up the market to teams that can’t pursue the LA Clippers star in free agency or via sign-and-trade.

One team that may have interest in trading for an opted-in George is the New York Knicks. A lack of cap space, and potential hard-cap issues that would arise via sign-and-trade, would keep the Knicks from pursuing George unless he opts in for $48.8 million for next season.

If George opts in, he’d have to wait six months, but could eventually work out an extension with a new team. An extend-and-trade transaction is also possible, but less likely.