Paul George of the Indiana Pacers has been a staple in trade rumors in the National Basketball Association, with the Boston Celtics being the number one in line. But instead of trading George, the Pacers have made their 2017 first round pick in an attempt to land an asset that would complement their star forward.
The Pacers are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-28 record and obviously need help to secure a playoff spot with playoff race getting tighter and tighter as the season progresses. According to ESPN, Indiana has made its first round pick in this year's draft to get help since it has lost six straight games and it needs to solidify its place in the playoffs.
For teams who are interested in making a deal for Indiana's 2017 first round pick, they are looking at one of the most talented groups of NBA hopefuls. Washington University's Markelle Fultz, UCLA's Lonzo Ball, Duke University's Harry Giles and Kansas University's Josh Jackson are expected to headline this year's draft class.
George will already be a free agent by the end of next season but he has been vocal that he wants to be the first player to give Indiana its first NBA title. However, the Pacers would have to make moves to bolster their lineup since the last time they had a good run in the playoffs was way back in 2014 when they had former All-Stars David West and Roy Hibbert.
According to Fansided, the Pacers are reportedly interested in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets for versatile center Brook Lopez. The Nets are looking to rebuild right now after being the worst team in the league and they could use the first round pick and some of the Pacers players to do that. In case Lopez gets traded to Indy, he would be paired into one of the most talented big men in the NBA in Myles Turner. That frontcourt duo would provide defense, low post scoring and floor spacing as both big men are able shooters from deep.