NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets still pursuing Paul George
By Adam Stocker
The Houston Rockets are in hot pursuit of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George.
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey remains in hot pursuit of the NBA’s hottest trade commodity, Paul George, according to Marc Stein.
Last week George informed the Indiana Pacers that he would not re-sign with the club when his current contract expires. The Rockets would be renting George and hoping his time in Houston would convince him to re-sign following the season. George is able to become a free agent at the end of next season when he has the option to opt out of his current contract.
The Houston Rockets, according to league sources, remain in trade pursuit of Indiana's Paul George ...
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2017
The Rockets do not have a first round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft but could send several young players to Indiana to complete a trade. Indiana might be interested in a package of players such as Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Clint Capella and Montrezl Harrell. If the Rockets acquire George it would give them a second superstar to team with James Harden. Harden and George could turn the Rockets into contenders against reigning NBA champions Golden State.
The Pacers have made it clear they are open to trading George. If the Pacers do not trade George they risk losing him for nothing as a free agent. The Pacers draft George with the tenth pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. In seven season with the Pacers, George averages 18.1 points per game. The four-time All-Star has averaged more than 21 points per game in three seasons.
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After his contract expires, people expire Paul George to sign in Los Angeles with either the Lakers or Clippers. George was born and Los Angeles and is interested in signing with one of his hometown teams. However, if George enjoys Houston and the Rockets make a deep playoff run he might be convinced to re-sign with the Rockets.