With a relatively new roster entering the 2016-17 season, the Indiana Pacers were pegged by some to be one of the favorites to land homecourt heading into the playoffs. They made a coaching change and the team retooled around Paul George by securing the services of Jeff Teague, Al Jefferson, and Thaddeus Young. But as the 2017 NBA All-Star weekend got started, the Pacers made it know they are looking to make moves ahead of next week’s trade deadline.
According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the Indiana Pacers are keeping the option of trading away their 2017 first round pick in order to get some help for their star small forward.
ESPN Sources: Indiana has made first-round pick available to secure help for Paul George. https://t.co/91QYqbxpfM
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 18, 2017
Just recently, Paul George made it clear he may opt out of his contract at the end of next season because he wants to go to a team that has a better shot at winning an NBA Championship.
Paul George is widely considered one of the top forwards in the league, as he’s made the four all-star appearances since 2013 — the only one he’s missed in that time span is the year he was out with a broken leg.
George is putting up 22.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season.
The Pacers are currently sitting in the six seed in the East, with just a one-game lead over the Chicago Bulls and a two game lead over the Detroit Pistons. After going on a seven-game win streak to end January and start February, they have since gone on a six-game losing streak.
The NBA Trade Deadline is Thursday, February 23 at 3 p.m. Eastern.
