NBA Trade Rumors: The Indiana Pacers are willing to move their first-round pick in order to secure additional help for Paul George
Paul George has been noncommittal about signing a long-term extension with the Indiana Pacers. In response, it’s being reported that the Pacers are going to do everything they can in order to keep George invested – even if that means trading their first-round pick in a deep draft.
The Indiana Pacers are only one game over .500 at the NBA All-Star break and have lost six-straight games. Even though they sit in the 6th seed of the East playoff picture, Indiana is only three games ahead of the 9th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.
With the possibility of falling out altogether, it appears that the Pacers plan on being aggressive as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches.
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"[via ESPN]In an attempt to secure help for All-Star forward Paul George, the Indiana Pacers have made their 2017 first-round pick available in a trade, league sources said.In what is considered to be a deep draft, the Pacers are hoping that such an asset would translate to the addition of either an established wing or established frontline player, according to sources."
George is in the second-to-last year of his current contract, and can opt out after next season. Though, when asked if he was willing to sign long-term in Indiana, George responded by saying he wants to play for a winner.
In fairness, he also said that he wants to bring a championship to Indiana.
Take that as you will. For the front office, who knows that they could be betting against time, they’re not taking any chances.
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Question is, what exactly would the Pacers be pursuing with their first-round pick at the deadline? Would they be in the market for a wing scorer? Help along the frontline? Bench help? It’s not exactly known, but they will be looking.