Get ready for all the craziness that is associated with the days leading up the NBA trade deadline. With big name DeMarcus Cousins already a part one of the NBA’s shocking trades, there could be more big names and superstars on the move as the deadline approaches.
One of those names is Indiana Pacers forward Paul George.
According to Adrian Wojnarowsk of The Vertical the Pacers have already started to gauge the market for the Pacers superstar:
The Indiana Pacers are gauging the trade market on All-Star forward Paul George, league sources told The Vertical.
The Pacers are working the trade deadline on parallel fronts: Pursuing deals that will bring talent into Indiana to sell George on signing a long-term extension – and soliciting deal offers on George that would signal a rebuild around center Myles Turner, league sources told The Vertical.
Ultimately, the Pacers will have to evaluate the two paths and make a decision before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. There’s no urgency to make a deal for George, unless the Pacers fear the Boston Celtics could ultimately provide Indiana the best possible package of assets in a deal – and think that option could disappear if Boston makes a deal with Chicago for Jimmy Butler.
George, 26, would be a fantastic addition to a team on the cusp of a playoff push or championship contention.
But per the Verital report, teams trading for George need to proceed with caution because George, who becomes a free agent in 2018, has considered re-signing with Indiana or joining his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell The Vertical.
Magic Johnson’s new role in Los Angeles will play a big part in the recruitment of George, who is averaging 22.3 points this season.