Paul George (Photo : Getty Images)
Paul George to LA Lakers (Photo : Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers star Paul George is becoming a hot trade topic this offseason, with three teams rumored to have interests in paying steep price to acquire the All-Star forward.
The Pacers were able to retool this offseason adding plenty of veterans to help them become strong contenders this season. However, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor believes it is not impossible the Pacers underperform perform despite the promising lineup they have, which may also lead to Indiana trade Paul George if "things don't go according to plan."
"Indiana could be on the cusp of a total rebuild if things don't go according to plan, making George a tradable star. It's not a scenario the Pacers want to contemplate, but other teams are keeping tabs," Connor wrote.
There should be no shortage of suitors once George becomes available in the market, but there are already three teams determined to make a run at the three-time All-Star. According to trade rumors from Metro, the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder are those willing to pay high price to acquire George.
It is certain that the Celtics are still looking for another proven star to help boost their chances of winning an 18th championship. George, who has career averages of 16.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, would help turn the Celtics into instant contenders, forming a dynamic All-star duo of George and Horford.
The Lakers have also been touted as a potential destination for George, who was one of the main free agent targets of LA before signing a contract extension with the Pacers in 2013.
George was a Lakers fan idolizing Kobe Bryant while growing up in California, which makes it intriguing for the 26-year-old forward to play for his hometown. The Lakers have been desperate in finding a superstar to carry the franchise in the post-Kobe Bryant era, and George seems to fit the mold as the new face of the Purple and Gold.
It won't be cheap trading for George should the Pacers make him available, and that could mean giving up the likes of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram for the Lakers to acquire a proven star LA has been longing for.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have also been rumored to chase after George, especially after losing Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors via free agency. With Russell Westbrook secured for a few more years, it is expected that the Thunder would explore all the possibilities to pair the star PG with another All-Star caliber talent.
However, OKC does not have much assets to offer should an opportunity to trade for George appears. But a package consisting of future draft picks and a budding star in Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams could entice the Pacers to let go of George.
