Paul George reportedly wants out of Indiana, but it appears the Pacers might accommodate him one year earlier than he planned.
Just two days after it leaked that the All-Star forward plans to leave the Pacers in 2018, the team indeed is moving fast on trading George, engaging the Los Angeles Lakers in discussions, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein reported Tuesday, citing sources.
While L.A. reportedly is George’s preferred destination, the Lakers aren’t the only ones targeting George. Not by a long shot, according to Stein.
Even though George has only one year remaining on his contract, he should command a hefty return for the Pacers. However, according to ESPN’s report, the Lakers “have been adamant” that they will not trade either the No. 2 overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft or Brandon Ingram, who was last season’s No. 2 selection, especially with George’s desire to play for L.A. in 2018.
ESPN noted that by acquiring George in a trade now, the Lakers stop any risk of another team such as the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers grabbing him, then convincing him to stay long term if that team experiences success. It doesn’t appear the Cavs are very active on the George front, though.
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