A proposed scenario that would see the Celtics sign Gordon Hayward, trade for Paul George, and sign George to a contract extension isn’t realistic, writes Zach Lowe in his latest report for ESPN.com. As Lowe points out, there would be no reason for George to re-up with Boston right away in that scenario unless he could renegotiate a maximum salary, and it would be extremely difficult for the C’s to accommodate such a deal without moving Al Horford.
Knowing that if they acquire George, he could be a rental, the Celtics have thus far been unwilling to include Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick, or the Lakers’ 2018 first-rounder in any of their offers to Indiana, Lowe reports. Lowe’s best guess at Boston’s offer is a package that would include Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, and one of the team’s other first-round picks. The C’s will be reluctant to go much higher than that, given their fear that George could leave in 2018 — Tania Ganguli of The Los Angeles Times wrote on Thursday night that the Pacers forward is still telling friends he expects to be a Laker in 2018.
While George could just be a one-year rental, the Celtics have competition for him. According to Lowe, the Wizards would likely be willing to sign-and-trade Otto Porter and include a first-round pick. The Cavaliers would swap Kevin Love straight up, though that doesn’t interest Indiana much, per Lowe. If the Nuggets get involved again via three-way talks for George and Love, they could offer Gary Harris and a first-round pick, though NBA execs expect Harris to command upwards of $20MM annually on his next contract, which is due soon, says Lowe.
Here’s more from Lowe with the free agent period right around the corner:
- Lowe views Hayward as less than a 50-50 bet to stay with the Jazz, with both the Celtics and Heat as legitimate suitors. The ESPN scribe adds that he wouldn’t be surprised if a mystery fourth team ends up getting a meeting with Hayward.
- The market for Raptors big man Serge Ibaka and Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari is expected to be in about the $20MM-per-year range, sources tell Lowe.
- The Sixers have told player agents that they plan on signing one-year contracts in free agency this summer to preserve future cap space. They may also use some of their current cap room to sign Robert Covington to a renegotiated extension, writes Lowe.
- Lowe expects the Bucks to sign Tony Snell to a deal in the range of $10-12MM annually.
- Despite drafting De’Aaron Fox, the Kings may still spend on a free agent point guard as a veteran mentor, particularly if they decide they want to chase a playoff spot right away, says Lowe.
- The Grizzlies are “crossing their fingers” that the market for RFA power forward JaMychal Green isn’t as competitive as expected, according to Lowe.
Without an extension he’s not worth anything more that Crowder and a non-Brooklyn 1rd pick.
pacers organization has no idea way they are doing… they won’t get anymore than way they’ve been offered…. they’ll end up getting nothing
What if cavs send pg13 to pacers and pacers flip him to celtics. Love appears to be of Ainge interest in recent years
Correct love to pacers
Love would have made sense had they not drafted TJ Leaf who’ll likely be a version of Keith Van Horn. If Love gets moved he’ll get back to playing all-star ball so any team trading him should not worry about his production, the dude is playing in a ball dominant offense by Lebron and Kyrie and can’t get in a rhythm most nights. Love belongs in the post not at the top of the arc waiting for a Lebron kick out.
If there is a Laker offer still on the table, the Pacers need to take or they will end up getting zip!!!
Indy is playing hard ball for a guy they will lose for nothing. The Lakers should offer Brandon Ingram with the condition that Indy also take Luol Deng for Paul George. Both teams win in this scenario. Lakers get PG who they will get in 2018 anyway + major cap relief for 2018. Indy gets last year’s #2 pick that could blow up in a year or two and a vet to make the money match. Seems easy to me.
i don’t think its dumb what indiana is doing. Teams are going to get desperate after FA. Maybe they screw themselves over with Boston, but even if boston gets hayward and griffin, the wizards and cavs are going to want him even more. And then the lakers are still worried he’ll go to a winning team and like it. As long as teams have FA options, they’re not all in on PG13, but when FA shakes out and there’s not enough all stars to go around, someone will pay.
Everyone keeps saying pacers won’t get much because George is a FA but everyone wants him so the pacers can use that. Yes they have to move him but you can bet because everyone wants him the price will be driven up. It is not a 100% conclusion George to lakers as a FA. If he goes to cavs or Celtics or rockets and they can offer him that big deal he will resign with one of those teams.
Pacers need to ask for Irving from cavs. Nets pick and brown or smart from Celtics or Ingram and piece from lakers. Rockets are limited in assets so not sure what could offer.
If one team meets the price they get George. But no reason for pacers to just take what amounts to depth pieces which Is what late first round picks or a lot of the players like randle etc are in people’s offers.