With the star forward informing IN that he intends to depart after the 2017-18 season, there's little incentive for the Pacers to wait on a trade. George has expressed interest in signing with the Lakers after his contract is up after next season.
IN now finds themselves hamstrung before the draft and free agency with a superstar who doesn't want to play for them and whose trade value is diminishing by the minute. IN can either keep him for one more season before losing him on the open market, or they can work to reach a trade to avoid losing him for nothing.
Trading for George now would obviously come at a cost for the Lakers, but it would also insulate them from the possibility that another team gambles on a one-season rental with the highly coveted two-way swingman and uses a successful season to persuade George to stay. Additionally, after years of avoiding giving up a first-round pick to the 76ers, the Lakers' tanking charade is finally over - their 2018 pick is unprotected and will go the Sixers, meaning there is no incentive for the Lakers to be bad during the 2017-18 season.
And while the Lakers are confident they'll see George in 2018, an advanced trade deal would secure him from the risk of signing with another team and being convinced to stay past the a year ago of his contract. How do the Lakers ultimately convince George to stay long-term and not be swayed to another team? George hasn't said anything about wanting to play in Cleveland and the Cavaliers might have to hire a new general manager if David Griffin leaves when his contract expires on June 30th. Thus, the only other players that IN would really be interested IN are Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and Tristan Thompson. George, according to those familiar with his thinking, anxious about the same thing.
Eldin Jakupovic: Leicester set to sign Hull City goalkeeper
With Ron-Robert Zieler's future unclear, Leicester appear ready to bring him in as back-up to first-choice Kasper Schmeichel. The 24-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal, which means he will be the English Premier League club till 2022.
After Beal inked a 5-year deal worth $127 million last offseason, it's nearly certain the Wizards wouldn't deal Beal.
According to The Vertical, George, through his agent, Aaron Mintz, is telling the Pacers of his plans now so they can plan for the future. It's safe to assume that the Pacers would ask for either Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love in return, meaning the Cavs wouldn't be getting reinforcements as much as they'd be reorganizing. Some combination of draft picks and young assets would be a gamble for any team, which explains why the Lakers don't feel any pressure to make a "dramatic offer".
Where do the Lakers fit in all this fiasco? Los Angeles also has the No. 2 overall selection in Thursday's draft. Then, it is uncertain who is the starter they could give up just to make this trade happen. My gut feeling is, Paul George is going to leave the Indiana Pacers, yet he will not join the Lakers.
With this latest declaration, George has put the ball in the Pacers' court.
Comments