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Paul George trade rumors: 5 deals the Pacers should explore

By Trey Daubert

Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A view of the floor before the game against the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Pacers Get
Julius Randle
Lakers Get
Paul George

We know that George wants to play for the Lakers, so obviously, the Pacers must start their trade negations with LA first. The problem is Indiana doesn’t have much leverage in trade talks as George can just leave for the Lakers for nothing a year later.

Indiana could ask for Julius Randle who would be a restricted free agent a year from now anyway. If LA doesn’t want to pay him, that could be an easy piece to let go of. While Randle was plagued by foot injuries early in his career, he has played really well for the Lakers lately. Randle, 22, averaged 13.2 points per game in 2016-17.

Frankly, that’s about all the Pacers may be able to get in a potential trade. Los Angeles really has no incentive to deal for him when George has made it clear that he plans on joining the team in the summer of 2018. In fact, it’s probably in their best interest to not trade for George at all to make sure they have the assets in place when he arrives.

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