Apr 12, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Photo Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers have begun discussing the possibilities of a Paul George trade, according to multiple reports.
George recently relayed to the Pacers that he won’t re-sign with the club after the 2017-18 season and added that he hopes to sign with the Lakers as a free agent.
With Thursday’s NBA draft approaching, Indiana is investigating whether it can trade the four-time All-Star forward to the Lakers either before the draft or on draft night.
The Pacers are apparently asking for the No. 2 overall pick in the draft that belongs to the Lakers, as well as forward Brandon Ingram, who was the No. 2 overall pick in last season’s draft.
The Lakers aren’t interested in that scenario as they have the knowledge that George could be had on the free-agent market 13 months from now.
Indiana also has engaged in talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Other teams reported to have interest are the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards.
George, who averaged a career-best 23.7 points last season, has a major preference in joining the Lakers as he grew up in Southern California.
The 27-year-old George is from Palmdale, Calif., a desert town about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.
If George hits free agency, he will be eligible to sign a four-year, $130 million contract.
If George remained with the Pacers, he could receive a five-year, $177 million extension.
George has an 18.1 scoring average in parts of seven NBA seasons. He recovered from a serious compound fracture of his right leg in the summer of 2014 while playing for USA Basketball to regain his star status.
