Yesterday, Marc Stein reported that the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics were in serious discussions about a trade that would send the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to the Sixers. What does this mean for Paul George?
The Indiana Pacers have nothing to do with the trade, but it could impact them. The Celtics are a team that has been rumored to have interest in Paul George. It’s quite clear Boston is going to need another star if they want to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
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Assuming the trade happens, Boston would be moving down to the third spot in the draft. They reportedly really like Josh Jackson of the University of Kansas, and he will likely be available there. Jackson’s second workout with the Los Angeles Lakers did not go well.
Boston will also be getting even more future assets, as future picks from the Sixers are involved. Could the Celtics use those picks and some players to try and get Paul George? It’s a big risk, considering George will be a free agent in 2018.
My take on the situation is wait and see. If the Pacers are a bad team, or are under-performing by the trade deadline of next year, I would trade him. If the Pacers are a consistent, good team that looks to contend in the East, take the risk and keep him.
The 2018 NBA Draft class is deep, just like this year’s, so future picks could be appealing. Boston still has the Brooklyn Nets’ first round pick in 2018. If the Nets are the worst team in the NBA again, and the Pacers acquire that pick, they could be looking at a guy like Michael Porter Jr.
However, Jonathan Wasserman recently reported that the Chicago Bulls could get in on the Sixers’ and Celtics’ trade. If they do, they’d be the beneficiary of all the assets and Boston would land their star in Jimmy Butler. That would mean they’d be out of the running for Paul George.
Next: What could the Pacers get for the 18th pick?
Should Pacers fans be worried? I don’t think so. George will probably still be a member of the Pacers by the trade deadline. Even if he does end up leaving the team, the Pacers will be in good hands with young Myles Turner.