Paul George (Photo : Getty Images)
If the Boston Celtics would want to add another star to their roster this season, it better be someone who could turn the franchise into legit title contenders.
It is no secret the Boston Celtics are still looking to get better, despite an already fruitful offseason that saw them acquire one of the top free agents this summer in Al Horford. But while Horford's presence should take the Celtics into the next level, Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck admitted Boston plans to keep on improving this year.
"They're not saying we're the best in the league," Grousbeck said, reports CSN NE. "And we live to be the best in the league. We're going to try and keep building this year."
Whether Grousbeck's message refers to improving the team by winning more games or going deeper in the playoffs with their current roster, one has to think "keep building" likely includes adding another proven star, which is something the Celtics were almost able to pull off when they were pursuing Kevin Durant in free agency.
"It was a nice to get Al. We tried to add another guy," Grousbeck added. "We wished to add another guy."
However, there aren't too many players available in the trade market that could serve as a game-changer for the Celtics.
Surely, the likes of Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel would be a boost for the Celtics this season, but either of the two are not expected to immediately help turn the Celtics win an NBA championship. Likewise, Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay would not factor much in helping Boston raise an 18th banner. If the Celtics are to make a trade, eyeing Indiana Pacers star Paul George should be one of their options.
It is unlikely the Pacers give up George, who has consistently helped Indiana make a playoff run, but Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer explored such possibility if the Pacers underperform this season.
"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.
George, who has career averages of 16.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists, would be the perfect acquisition for the Celtics to address their needs of a scoring wing to pair with Horford. George's ability to create his own shots would free up some space for Horford down low, while his perimeter defense should also be valuable for Boston.
Moreover, George is locked until the 2018-2019 season, which means trading for him would not be a one-year rental for Boston. This makes him worth the star trading future assets, which the Celtics have aplenty at their disposal.
But in all likelihood, trading for George would be costly for the Celtics, although it should be a deal worth the price. Trading Jaylen Brown, James Young, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson and a pair of future first-rounders for George and Monta Ellis should be an enticing package for the Pacers if they ponder about hitting the reset button.
By adding Ellis in the mix, the Pacers would address their backcourt logjam, while getting young talents in Brown and Young. Two future first round draft picks from the Brooklyn Nets should also help kick start the Pacers' rebuild. Crowder could fill in at the small forward position, and Johnson's expiring contract would give Indiana some flexibility on their cap space next summer.
It is hard to imagine the Pacers trading away their best player, but any signs of a possibility should see the Celtics as major players in landing George.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
