Paul George Just Might Be Available After All
By Ben Gibson
The Indiana Pacers are exploring the trade market for Paul George according to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.
Right after we told you Paul George wasn’t even on the market, Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a Woj Bomb.
The Indiana Pacers are exploring the trade market for Paul George. This is the first indication from a legitimate source that Paul George might not be in a Pacers’ uniform for much longer.
"The Indiana Pacers are gauging the trade market on All-Star forward Paul George, league sources told The Vertical.The Pacers are working the trade deadline on parallel fronts: Pursuing deals that will bring talent into Indiana to sell George on signing a long-term extension – and soliciting deal offers on George that would signal a rebuild around center Myles Turner, league sources told The Vertical."
One of the often rumored destinations has been the Boston Celtics, as they have a bounty of draft picks to offer any team in a trade. Any trade offer involving Paul George would also need to match PG’s $18 million salary, meaning the Pacers will likely be getting back several players if they moved Paul George.
Now, it is important to note Indiana is merely exploring this possibility right now. But if they do move on, that means Myles Turner is the future of the team. Losing PG also might endanger the possibility of keeping Jeff Teague or C.J. Miles. Teague is on an expiring contract while Miles has a player option he could exercise this offseason.
On one hand, it is tough thinking about the Pacers trading away the best player to ever wear Indiana’s blue and gold. But if they fear losing him as a free agent after next season, it is best to start figuring out what the future holds.
Next: Monta Ellis: The Unmasking
We will update you as more information — more Woj Bombs ‚— become available.