Paul George (Photo : Getty Images)
Paul George isn't on the trading block, but the Indiana Pacers should capitalize on the star's high trade value.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report listed players with the most trade value at this stage of the season. Surprisingly, on top of the list and ahead of the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, Ricky Rubio and Rudy Gay, who have all been consistently mentioned in the rumor mill, Indiana Pacers star Paul George is the player who could get his team most valuable assets in return.
George can be considered as one of the "stranded" stars in the league playing for a franchise incapable of providing a better supporting cast. Indiana won't probably trade George any time soon this year, but George expressing displeasure over the Pacers' struggles early in the season could be a good sign to teams looking to land a proven star.
It is not entirely far-fetched the Pacers trade George. Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer explored a few months ago about the possibility of the Pacers trading away George in light of a potential disappointing campaign to the 2016-2017 regular season. According to O'Connor, a failed bid to reach the postseason could put them in a "dangerous situation" of losing those who have player options that could make them free agents in 2018.
"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," O'Connor wrote.
George and the Pacers had initial talks about a contract extension, but "nothing extensive," according to WTHR columnist Bob Kravitz. If both fail to reach an agreement about the reported contract extension, it would be wise for the Pacers to capitalize on trading George.
Paul George told me here in Rio there have been some initial talks about a contract extension with the Pacers, but nothing extensive.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) August 4, 2016
Trading George would give the Pacers all the pieces they could use to rebuild around Myles Turner. The Pacers could flip George into future first-rounders and young talents who have potentials to become All-Star caliber players.
The Philadelphia 76ers have plenty of future assets and young talents on their roster, as well as the Boston Celtics, who is serious about adding another star into their lineup. But George joining the Los Angeles Lakers would probably be the most intriguing option the Pacers could explore, with LA possessing a plethora of highly talented youngsters in D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram.
Any potential deal would certainly depend on the willingness of teams to part ways with their young talents, but it is something the Pacers should consider if they feel like losing their grasp on George.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
