Earvin “Magic” Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Indiana Pacers caught up recently, spewing rumors of a possible Paul George trade talk. (Photo : YouTube/ESPN/)
After being named president of Lakers basketball operations, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is expected to be busy retooling the embattled ballclub. He recently met up with friend and former rival Larry Bird of the Indiana Pacers and many believed this was about Paul George.
It turned out that the two NBA legends simply exchange pleasantries and nothing serious really developed. Paul George may have been mentioned but nothing serious followed beyond that. With the NBA trade deadline over and done with, the scenario could change in the summer.
It should be worth noting that the sudden Paul George trade rumors are a bit off. The Pacers were reportedly dangling their first round pick for the 2017 NBA Draft with hopes of getting the all-star forward help, ESPN reported. The move is seen as a way to appease George who can choose to opt out after the 2017-18 season.
Paul George wants to give the Pacers an NBA title though he may need help. If he ends up frustrated, there is a chance he may decide to opt out and play elsewhere. The trade deadline lapsed and the Pacers were unable to add anyone to the roster. They did inquire about Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers but nothing materialized.
Attention now shifts to the offseason and the word out is that possible Paul George trade talks may continue in the summer according to a tweet by L.A. Daily News reporter Mark Medina thru Silver Screen and Roll.
For both Lakers/Paul George's sake, it seems more likely they'll wait for George in free agency than try to get him in trade
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 22, 2017
Unless they are able to recruit some credible help, the Pacers could weigh in on that trade since George may be good as lost after next season. There are still a lot of precedents to consider. That includes the 2017 NBA Draft and who Indiana can hook up from the frenzied free agent circus.
For the Lakers, Johnson is busy dealing out the veterans. After Lou Williams, Marcelo Huertas was dealt to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Tyler Innis. Nick Young and Jose Calderon are other players on the table with Johnson looking for picks.
Check out the latest on the Los Angeles Lakers interest on Paul George via the video below.
