It's All-Star Weekend and at this point in the season, the line between buyers and sellers in NBA trade rumors should be clear.
However, the Eastern Conference is too close to call and there are so many teams in the middle. The Indiana Pacers, who have faced continuous rumors about their star Paul George, is actually positioning to become buyers at the deadline. They are willing to give up a valuable asset to convince George to sign his extension.
George previously declared that he wants to play for a contender. George stated on ESPN Radio. (h/t Indianapolis Star)
"As I told Larry, I always want to play on a winning team," George said. "I always want to be part of a team that has a chance to win it (all). That's important. Say what you want; I want to compete for something. It's frustrating just playing the game for stats or for numbers or to showcase yourself. Man, I want a chance to play for a chance to win a championship."
Being the proactive and responsive executive, Larry Bird has already made a move in response to his superstar's public declaration. Contrary to rumors that they would actually trade George and rebuild, they actually want to augment their roster even if they mortgage their future. The report comes from Chris Haynes of ESPN.
"In an attempt to secure help for All-Star forward Paul George, the Indiana Pacers have made their 2017 first-round pick available in a trade, league sources said," Haynes reported.
"In what is considered to be a deep draft, the Pacers are hoping that such an asset would translate to the addition of either an established wing or an established frontline player, according to sources."
The Pacers are in 13th place in the NBA, 6th place in the East with a 29-28 record. They are not tanking but their playoff spot is not secure (as what necessitated the trade). The East is tight and they are only six games ahead of 12th place New York Knicks. Three games ahead of ninth place Milwaukee.
If the pick is up for grabs and they don't want to lose core players like Myles Turner and possibly point guard Jeff Teague (which is why they're not seeking a point guard), then there's a limited list of players to choose from if they want to make a difference. The players would likely come from teams that have no hope for the playoffs and looking towards the future.
Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets comes to mind, but the Nets are firm on their steep price tag on him. The Lakers would gladly surrender Nick Young or Lou Williams but that will not move the needle for the Pacers.
The Phoenix Suns could sell PJ Tucker or Tyson Chandler, both studs on the defensive end for a first round pick. Would the Pacers like Jahlil Okafor? The Sixers could gift-wrap him right now. The Minnesota Timberwolves are still too close to the playoff race to become a seller and Tom Thibodeau has too much pride as well.
Perhaps the last addition to teams that could wave the white flag at this time would be the Orlando Magic. They could give Nikola Vucevic, who has been in endless trade rumors but their willingness to trade him could have changed with the Serge Ibaka departure.