The Paul George saga has officially begun, as the highly-coveted free agent next summer has informed the Indiana Pacers that he is planning to leave the franchise in 2018 with the likelihood of joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
George informing the Pacers about what he plans to do means that the team can now begin fielding trade calls and scenarios in order to get something from George instead of allowing him to walk away in free agency and get nothing in return. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, many teams are very hesitant to trade significant pieces for George fearing that the 2017-18 season they’ll have him for will be a rental if he still decides to sign with the Lakers next summer. While Indiana beings shopping George, Wojnarowski is reporting that one team they’ve been in contact with is the Cleveland Cavaliers, but lack what the Pacers might want in a trade.
“The Cavaliers are devoid of the kind of young players and future picks that Indiana might want in return for George, and George has never mentioned the Cavaliers as an intriguing destination.”
Following their loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, the Cavs have been reportedly searching for ways to improve their roster in order to be better prepared to face the Warriors in what will likely be round four of the rivalry next June.
George will make $19.5 million in the 2017-18 season, and if he’s traded to the Cavaliers, could also be bringing his Bird Rights along with him to Cleveland. Any number of options would work for the Cavs to trade for George, including a reported deal involving forward Kevin Love, or a combination of players as well to match the salaries up. With George pretty much gone from Indiana following this season, they’ll try to add as much talent as possible before the NBA trade deadline.
Stay tuned for the latest.