Paul George and the Indiana Pacers have had an up and down season thus far. Currently two games above .500 and 6th in the Eastern Conference there is still some unrest in the organization. In a piece by ESPN’s Zach Lowe, he talks about the tumultuous environment in Indiana which includes a part about Paul George wanting to play alongside Gordon Hayward,
George would love to play with hometown boy Gordon Hayward, according to sources, but that would appear unlikely.
The Pacers would have to do some slight shuffling in order to snag Hayward this offseason and as Lowe notes, it is probably unlikely. With George having one year left on his contract and already steady rumbling about his desire to play in L. A. there is increasing pressure on the Pacers front office. Trading for Hayward would be nearly impossible and coaxing him to play in Indiana in 2 years when both players contracts are up would be a coup.
The Pacers will undoubtedly look to sign both players when they hit the free agent market, however, due to George’s request. Larry Bird will do anything it takes to win and will spend whatever he has to in order to achieve that;
“Paul wants to compete for a title,” Bird said. “We want Paul here. He has expressed that he wants to be here. That could change overnight. You never know. But whatever I can spend, I’m going to spend.”
