Knicks Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Free Agency

The 2024 NBA offseason could be a transformative time for the New York Knicks.

They have key players entering free agency. They have others who make logical trade candidates. They have three picks in this week's draft, including two in the first round (Nos. 24 and 25). And they have a nucleus that's seemingly knocking on the door of championship contention.

These are exciting times for the Blue and Orange, which might explain why the rumor mill has been so active already. With so many things being digitally whispered about, though, how is anyone supposed to know how to make sense of it all?

Well, that's why we're here. We're examining three of the latest rumors in Knicks country and giving them the old smell test to determine what's real and what isn't.

Paul George Could Be an Option?

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 1: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The rumor: NBA insider Marc Stein relayed being advised to "keep the Knicks on the list" if Paul George picks up his player option with the Los Angeles Clippers and seeks out a trade.

The verdict: Technically fact-adjacent, but functionally closer to fiction.

Every win-now team would want to get their hands on George, who is one of the league's most malleable stars. There's no reason to think the Knicks would be any different, and that's before accounting for the possibility of OG Anunoby exiting in free agency. (More on that later.)

Still, Stein's report also included the common theme of George's desire to stick with the Clippers, provided it makes financial sense to do so. There's also a chance the star swingman opts out and seeks to get paid in free agency, where teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic loom as possible suitors.

So, sure the Knicks are probably interested in George, but they are far from his likeliest landing spot.

Mitchell Robinson Trades Discussed?

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MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 7: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 7, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

The rumor: Per SNY's Ian Begley, "Mitchell Robinson's name has come up in some of the Knicks' trade conversations."

The verdict: Fact. Full stop.

Robinson is a disruptive player when he plays, but availability concerns have defined his career almost as much as his bounce has. Only once in the past four seasons has he topped the 60-game mark.

Yet, that's not the biggest factor in his apparent availability on the trade market. Isaiah Hartenstein's unrestricted free agency takes the blame for that. Hartenstein was all-caps AWESOME as a fill-in for Robinson to the point that Hartenstein's impending payday (which could be a big one) has potentially necessitated the subtraction of Robinson's eight-figure salary.

If the Knicks plan to use (and pay) Hartenstein as a starting center, then Robinson will almost surely be worth more to them as a trade chip than as an expensive backup big.

OG Anunoby Staying Put?

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The rumor: Per NBA insider Marc Stein, "The Knicks, despite some recent murmurs about OG Anunoby considering his options elsewhere, have been painted as a strong favorite to re-sign the former Toronto Raptor since acquiring him in late December."

The verdict: Fact that they're the favorites in this race.

New York did little to mask its interest in re-signing Anunoby. That intention was made crystal clear when the Knicks coughed up two potential building blocks (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) to bring the two-way swingman south of the border.

Given how impactful Anunoby proved upon arrival—the Knicks went 20-3 with him in the lineup during the regular season—that interest likely increased. But did it reach the point where they'll automatically hand over a max offer? That might be stretching it, especially since his longstanding feud with the injury bug added a few new entries after the trade.

Might he find that kind of coin elsewhere? Or what about a similar offer but with added offensive responsibilities? Either scenario feels at least conceivable. That's not to say New York needs to slide over a blank check the second the market opens, but anything less than a massive offer could open the opportunity for other franchises to at least make their sales pitch.