At one point on Thursday night, the Celtics and Pacers were said to be in “serious” talks regarding Paul George, but those discussions stalled, and the star forward remains in Indiana. Speaking to reporters late on Thursday, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard indicated that his team still has irons in the fire on George, but won’t “make a bad deal” just to move on from the situation (Twitter link via Nate Taylor of The Indianapolis Star).
Pritchard was fairly candid discussing George’s desire to leave the Pacers, referring to the news as a “gut punch” and adding that he intends to acquire players who want to be in Indiana (Twitter links via Taylor). He also still sounds optimistic about getting a deal done at some point, suggesting that he’s “confident” the Pacers will be able to get something for George (Twitter link via Taylor).
Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star is less optimistic than Pritchard, expressing confusion about why George is still on the Pacers’ roster, and arguing that the team has set its rebuilding efforts back a year by dragging the process out this long.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders (Twitter links), the Pacers fielded offers for George all day on Thursday, but never got a proposal that made them seriously consider pulling the trigger. While Indiana is expected to continue discussing George deals in the coming days and weeks, into free agency, Pritchard said on Thursday that the team is prepared to bring the veteran forward to camp if necessary, Kyler notes.
In addition to the Celtics, the Rockets were said to be pursuing a George deal on Thursday.
Why is this guy getting treated like he’s Tracy McGrady in his prime? Just trade him already geez, Pacers act like they don’t have Turner to build with. Just cut the man lose already he does not want to be there.
His career arc is pretty similar to TMac. Probably a better defender while not as skilled offensively.
George is a great player but he’s no prime Tracy McGrady. McGrady fell off after going to Houston, maybe you can compare Houston T-Mac to George but Orlando? NO WAY
Damn I’m not a George fan at all, but damn a little excessive on the love for McGrady.
I don’t know dude…if anything, I don’t think he gave McGrady enough credit there…
George > TMac
I’d say they set themselves back two years… not only did they not acquire picks that will help start the process, but if they keep George into the season, they’ll put themselves in a position to get a pick at the low end of the lottery, which usually doesn’t yield a star player.
Except for Myles Turner lol
But you’re right. Usually it doesn’t.
There are plenty of exceptions: George was the 10th pick! Then you got Antekoumpos and Leonard in that range. Booker looks like a future stud in Phx and was taken right around there. But for the most part, there are considerably more after thoughts taken in that range than future stars (or even future starters.)
I think Monk is this years late lottery gem. Kennard and Mitchell and Bam are going to be solid in their respective roles but don’t project to have huge ceilings. Monk has the potential to be a great backcourt partner with kemba
If you can get anything of quality for PG13 you gotta try to move him so you don’t lose him for nothing
Deal in place to send George to Boston w/3yr extension, contingent on Hayward signing
LOL!
George in a Celtic uniform doesn’t sound or look right. But if the Pacers can get Tatum, please ROB the Celtics because Tatum will be better then George in about 2 years. He’s just naturally a better playmaker, and has a NBA ready body, can post up, pull up, create for teammates. Kevin if Danny is that stupid, go for it Tatum and Turner will bring the Pacers back to the top in 2 years.
The Celtics claimed they turned down the 3 pick for Butler. Why would they turn around and give up the 3 pick for a rental?
It said 3-year extension
Why would he take less money? I’m calling BS!
I still believe C’s and Pacers will come together on a reasonable trade. And, I think there is a good chance that playing for C’s could result in George signing a max deal and staying in Boston.
Highly doubt it.
He’s not a max player anymore and not worth it for the C’s they need a big who rebounds and blocks shot
It sounds like PG would be interested in a 3 year deal Boston, this will allow him one more big deal after that..
I said this yesterday morning and got roasted for it, but I still believe it to be the case. I think Boston tried to create a misinformation campaign surrounding Jimmy Butler to try to lower the asking price for Paul George wherein they leaked false information that both Philly and Boston turned down the 3 pick for Butler. While similarly talented, George has less value than Butler because he’s got one year remaining on his deal and is seemingly headed to LA next summer. So if multiple teams thought Butler wasn’t worth the 3rd pick of this draft, then what is George worth? Seemingly even less…
I still believe this to be what happened. I think Boston was trying to pawn off some of their lesser assets (the Clippers pick, their own picks, etc) for George, and that it was getting close until the Butler trade was announced. While Butler’s market didn’t prove to be as robust as some might have thought, it was still a more valuable return than simply the 3rd pick of this draft. That likely caused Indy to ask for even more from Boston than they were initially discussing, which put an end to the talks.
Unless Indy gets desperate, I don’t see George landing in Boston any longer. Boston isn’t going to part with a potentially high lottery pick for a rental, and Indy is likely to find a team that is more willing to give up something of value for a chance to win now. I think a 3-way deal with Kevin Love is still the most realistic if they can engage Phoenix. The Cavs would land George; the Suns would land Love; and the Pacers would land Chriss and either Bledsoe or Ullis.
Tyler Johnson, Rodney McGruder, Wayne Ellington, Josh McRoberts for Paul George
wat are u guys talking about… this guy is great and hasn’t even reached his prime yet… wen Tmack hit his prime he was about 29yrs old…PG is not 29… he’s way younger in bball years and ah great 2 way player… we’re ever he goes 1 year or the rest of his career.. they have ah great player to build around and healthy… he’s unguardable… do u guys even watch basketball!!??
I don’t see why anyone wants to trade for him. Why give up assets when you know this guys is going to LAL as soon as he’s a free agent