5 lottery teams that should be calling the Pacers about Paul George

Apr 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) runs onto the floor before playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 5

Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New York Knicks

This is all contigent on the Knicks shipping Carmelo Anthony out of town this year. Although Anthony’s been more of a team player this year, even with the Phil Jackson drama, he still doesn’t fit the system and is on the back end of his career.

The Knicks stink right now, but have one valuable asset in Kristaps Porzingis. But with just him, New York might not be going anywhere. He doesn’t really fit in with Carmelo, as they play more of the “my turn, your turn” game, rather than as a team.

Imagine if the Knicks moved Anthony for some draft picks and were able to go ahead and trade for Paul George. They would immediately have two stars in their prime to make a run for the playoffs next year. George is a better two-way player than Carmelo and his age matches up better with Porzingis. The Knicks currently have the No. 8 pick to offer Indiana, along with other assorted pieces.

New York doesn’t have many pieces around those two guys, but with the amount of salary cap space they could potentially have this summer, they can lure free agents. With young, budding stars and the flash of New York, Phil Jackson should be able to re-shape this roster quickly around them.

George gets to leave Indiana and head for the big lights of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks could start a new era of basketball post-Carmelo. It’s a call that Phil Jackson has to make to the Pacers.

Home/Indiana Pacers