The Cleveland Cavaliers are in serious discussions with the Indiana Pacers about star forward Paul George, and if a trade is to happen, it could occur within the next week, league sources have told Cavs Nation.
George’s agent informed the Pacers that the seven-year forward plans to opt out of his contract following the 2017-18 season and become an unrestricted free agent, according to a report from The Vertical.
The Pacers began making calls to gauge interest in George, and almost immediately found a potential suitor in the Cavs, sources said. The Pacers are hoping to move George before Thursday night’s NBA Draft.
Of course, they have made it clear they won’t just give away a talent such as George – and if the Cavs want the 26-year old Los Angeles native, they understand it could cost them All-Star power forward Kevin Love.
One theory being thrown around by sources is that the Cavs may be open to dealing Love if it lands George, and if former LeBron James teammate Chris Bosh is somehow healthy enough to sign on. As of earlier this month, NBA doctors had ruled Bosh out for the rest of his career.
The Cavs are said to have “legit” interest in George, according to a source, but they also understand making a deal work may be “complicated.” They believe the Pacers cannot get a better offer for George than a deal centered on Love, source said.
Along with seeing what it may take to obtain George, the Cavs have been exploring the trade market for reserve forward Channing Frye and reserve guard Iman Shumpert, sources said.
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