The Indiana Pacers is a team stuck in the middle and NBA trade rumors have them moving in both directions-just not sitting around and doing nothing.
Based on whose perspective you hear, the Pacers are either moving towards contention or on the cusp of rebuilding. The Boston Celtics, as per Adrian Woknarowski of The Vertical, still continue to target Paul George. This was mentioned in passing on a piece that centered on Carmelo Anthony. Wojnarowski mentioned that the Celtics are not interested in Melo since they were pursuing Jimmy Butler or Paul George.
Which begs us to the curious George question: Anthony and Butler are on teams in turmoil (Knicks and Chicago Bulls) but why is George a target?
The Indiana Pacers are apparently active on the trading front since they are willing to trade some of their current pieces, most notably Monta Ellis. Basketball Insiders Steve Kyler noted that one.
"I know they'd be open to moving Monta Ellis, but I am not sure what he returns. Maybe Orlando? I think they need a flat out scorer and there is some history with Vogel, but at this point, nothing is there."
A separate rumor has the Pacers actually shopping Al Jefferson, their free agent acquisition last summer. It seems like Indiana is at a loss on which direction to take.
However, George is probably the lone constant in a sea of uncertainty. He is a legitimate superstar that most other teams can only hope to have. The Pacers' front office draft well, as shown in Myles Turner, whom the Pacers picked up in their lone foray into the lottery when George was injured.
Thus, there are suggestions for the Pacers to tank in order to get a shot at another star in a loaded 2017 draft class. The problem is, it's hard to tank with George and now, there's Turner as well.
If the Pacers try to trade off their veterans (Ellis, Jefferson, Rodney Stuckey) they don't really have much return to make a significant change. Yet, they could still be a fringe playoff team.
What should Indiana do at this point? They are not a free agent destination and holding on to both George and Turner will keep them stuck outside of the lottery and thus, have limited room to improve. Larry Bird needs to make a decision.