A new report claims that the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic could be two of the teams that make a strong push for, arguably, the best player available in NBA free agency this summer.
Heading into the NBA games today, the Pacers are licking their wounds after another loss in their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Boston Celtics. While the team is focused on trying to reach the NBA Finals for just the second time, you can bet the front office is already making plans for the offseason.
Also Read: NBA Twitter reacts to Indiana Pacers’ near-historic shooting display in first half of Game 7
The Magic have a couple of weeks’ head start in the summer planning process after being eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nevertheless, this season was very productive for both organizations and likely better than expected. However, that only increases hopes for each squad in 2024-25.
The Magic and Pacers will certainly be looking to improve their rosters — especially Orlando since they have a solid chunk of money to use on the open market — and it seems they may target the same star player. On Thursday, Yahoo Sports NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that “Enough NBA decision-makers currently believe the Orlando Magic are a viable suitor for [Paul] George,” in free agency.
- Paul George stats (2023-24): 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 SPG, 1.5 SPG, 41% 3PT
He also added that there were rumblings in recent months that a reunion between the Indiana Pacers and the nine-time All-Star could be a legitimate possibility this summer. However, it must be noted that those were the rumors before the team landed Pascal Siakam in a blockbuster trade. The word around the league is that the Raptors star is expected to re-sign but George could be a fallback option if negotiations with Siakam hit a stalemate.
In recent weeks, the Philadelphia 76ers, the team with the second most cap space this summer, were expected to be a top contender for Paul George. Furthermore, recent reports claimed the Los Angeles Clippers feel confident the 34-year-old will re-sign this summer.
George played his first seven seasons in Indiana and earned All-Star honors in four of those years.
Also Read: Orlando Magic reportedly interested in Los Angeles Lakers star in NBA free agency