The Indiana Pacers are likely going to look to trade star forward Paul George between now and the end of the summer. It’s something that has been percolating since February’s trade deadline.
This was only magnified when reports surfaced during the spring that George himself wants to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent following the 2017-18 season. It was then taken to a whole new level when he refused to commit to the Pacers over the long term.
But if we expect new Pacers president Kevin Pritchard to make a rash decision here, that seems highly unlikely. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report (h/t CBS Sports), the Pacers have not yet solicited offers for the All-Star wing.
With the 2017 NBA Draft set to take place in just over two weeks, teams are already involving themselves in trade talk. It’s interesting that the Pacers have not yet gotten to that level with George, especially considering any return in a potential trade would likely include a first-round pick in this year’s draft.
Maybe Pritchard is holding out for veterans and future picks. What we do know is that the Lakers themselves are unlikely to trade for George, primarily because they can sign him as a free agent next July. Los Angeles boasts the No. 2 overall pick in this month’s draft.
George, 27, is coming off a 2016-17 campaign that saw him average a career-best 27.3 points to go with 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He will be the most-attractive option on the trade market this summer.