After DeMarcus Cousins was traded on Sunday night, the focus immediately shifted on other disgruntled stars nearing free agency.
Naturally, that discussion eventually leads to Paul George and the Indiana Pacers. The team has been disappointing this season and Geroge’s quotes have left many wondering about his future in Indiana.
PG13 is set to hit free agency next summer. He could be eligible for the designated veteran extension following this season if he makes any of the All-NBA teams, giving him incentive to stay in Indiana. But that seems unlikely given that there are six spots available.
Despite the fact that that incentive may be gone, it appears as though the Pacers are still not ready to engage in trade talks for their star forward. Following via ESPN’s Zach Lowe:
Indiana continues to reject any calls about George, per several league sources. They are banking on the new CBA to help retain George; if he makes the All-NBA team this season, they could offer him the new designated mega-extension before he even hits free agency — a super-rich contract no rival could approach.
So George seems off-limits, although if the Cousins trade taught us one thing it’s that anything can still happen.
But the Pacers seem intent on giving George help so that they can continue to compete:
[ESPN’s] Chris Haynes reported the Pacers have floated their first-round pick in search of a veteran, which fits the general notion that a 29-28 mediocrity needs more to sway George.
That seems somewhat likely and there are a number of teams willing to part ways with veterans in exchange for picks. Indiana is a team to keep an eye on, even if the Paul George trade rumors are likely headed nowhere.
