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The Paul George Safari: LeBron Strikes Back!
- Thread starter gourimoko
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gourimoko
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sports.yahoo.com
Sources: Paul George tells Pacers he plans to leave franchise, prefers joining Lakers
Adrian WojnarowskiThe Vertical
5-6 minutes
says he will become a free agent in 2018. (AP)
George hasn’t requested a trade before he can opt out of his 2018-19 contract, but did have his agent, Aaron Mintz, tell new Indiana president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard that he wanted to be forthright on his plans and spare the franchise any confusion about his intentions, league sources told The Vertical.
In the past 24 hours, Pritchard has become more aggressive in pursuing trades for George, league sources told The Vertical. Pritchard has yet to show an inclination to engage the Lakers, but has discussed deals with several teams – including Cleveland – in which the expectation of teams would be that George is a “one-year rental.” The Cavaliers are devoid of the kind of young players and future picks that Indiana might want in return for George, and George has never mentioned the Cavaliers as an intriguing destination.
It is unclear how robust offers to Indiana will ultimately be, given that teams believe he will sign with the Lakers next summer. So far, Indiana is asking for a substantial package of talent and draft picks for George, league sources said. Discussions could extend until Thursday’s NBA draft – or beyond.
George can sign a four-year deal worth as much as $130 million with Los Angeles next year. George is a Southern California native and playing for the Lakers would represent a homecoming for him.
George plans to play out the 2017-18 season with Indiana, but wants to give the organization the chance to plan appropriately for its future – which George told the team won’t include him, league sources said.
George’s desire to join the Lakers has massive repercussions on the free-agent market in 2018. Under president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka, George would represent the first NBA star in years to choose the Lakers in free agency. As Los Angeles’ management reshapes its roster, George could be a lure to recruit other top available players to the Lakers.
Between then and now, the pressure will mount for the Pacers to formulate a trade with the Lakers in the near future, because the risk of losing a star of George’s stature for nothing next summer is potentially devastating. If management takes George at his word about wanting to join the Lakers in 2018, it may be cornered into making the best possible trade it can with Los Angeles now, squeezing whatever value out of the Lakers that Indiana can acquire in a deal for George.
Nevertheless, the Lakers can create the necessary salary-cap space to sign George next summer and won’t be compelled to make a dramatic offer to Indiana now.
Indiana’s ability to find a trade for George elsewhere has become increasingly limited, if not crippled, because NBA teams believe that it’s George’s intention to eventually sign with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.
Because George wasn’t named to an All-NBA team this spring, Indiana lost out on the chance to offer him a five-year, $207 million Designated Player Veteran Exception. Indiana can offer George a five-year, $177 million extension.
Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. George is a four-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the world. He was part of the 2016 USA Olympic gold medal team, just two years after suffering a broken leg." data-reactid="34">George, 27, averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 2016-17, leading Indiana to the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pacers lost a first-round series to the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. George is a four-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the world. He was part of the 2016 USA Olympic gold medal team, just two years after suffering a broken leg.
The Pacers’ inability to maintain a contending roster has played a part in George’s belief that he has a better chance for championship contention by joining the Lakers, league sources said. After reaching the Eastern Conference finals in consecutive years – 2013 and 2014 – the Pacers have slowly had a talent drain that included the decline and loss of Roy Hibbert and the departures of David West and George Hill. George had a close relationship with the architect of those Pacers teams, Larry Bird, who recently stepped down as team president to become a franchise consultant.
Sources: Paul George tells Pacers he plans to leave franchise, prefers joining Lakers
Adrian WojnarowskiThe Vertical
5-6 minutes
says he will become a free agent in 2018. (AP)
George hasn’t requested a trade before he can opt out of his 2018-19 contract, but did have his agent, Aaron Mintz, tell new Indiana president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard that he wanted to be forthright on his plans and spare the franchise any confusion about his intentions, league sources told The Vertical.
In the past 24 hours, Pritchard has become more aggressive in pursuing trades for George, league sources told The Vertical. Pritchard has yet to show an inclination to engage the Lakers, but has discussed deals with several teams – including Cleveland – in which the expectation of teams would be that George is a “one-year rental.” The Cavaliers are devoid of the kind of young players and future picks that Indiana might want in return for George, and George has never mentioned the Cavaliers as an intriguing destination.
It is unclear how robust offers to Indiana will ultimately be, given that teams believe he will sign with the Lakers next summer. So far, Indiana is asking for a substantial package of talent and draft picks for George, league sources said. Discussions could extend until Thursday’s NBA draft – or beyond.
George can sign a four-year deal worth as much as $130 million with Los Angeles next year. George is a Southern California native and playing for the Lakers would represent a homecoming for him.
George plans to play out the 2017-18 season with Indiana, but wants to give the organization the chance to plan appropriately for its future – which George told the team won’t include him, league sources said.
George’s desire to join the Lakers has massive repercussions on the free-agent market in 2018. Under president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka, George would represent the first NBA star in years to choose the Lakers in free agency. As Los Angeles’ management reshapes its roster, George could be a lure to recruit other top available players to the Lakers.
Between then and now, the pressure will mount for the Pacers to formulate a trade with the Lakers in the near future, because the risk of losing a star of George’s stature for nothing next summer is potentially devastating. If management takes George at his word about wanting to join the Lakers in 2018, it may be cornered into making the best possible trade it can with Los Angeles now, squeezing whatever value out of the Lakers that Indiana can acquire in a deal for George.
Nevertheless, the Lakers can create the necessary salary-cap space to sign George next summer and won’t be compelled to make a dramatic offer to Indiana now.
Indiana’s ability to find a trade for George elsewhere has become increasingly limited, if not crippled, because NBA teams believe that it’s George’s intention to eventually sign with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.
Because George wasn’t named to an All-NBA team this spring, Indiana lost out on the chance to offer him a five-year, $207 million Designated Player Veteran Exception. Indiana can offer George a five-year, $177 million extension.
Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. George is a four-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the world. He was part of the 2016 USA Olympic gold medal team, just two years after suffering a broken leg." data-reactid="34">George, 27, averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 2016-17, leading Indiana to the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pacers lost a first-round series to the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. George is a four-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the world. He was part of the 2016 USA Olympic gold medal team, just two years after suffering a broken leg.
The Pacers’ inability to maintain a contending roster has played a part in George’s belief that he has a better chance for championship contention by joining the Lakers, league sources said. After reaching the Eastern Conference finals in consecutive years – 2013 and 2014 – the Pacers have slowly had a talent drain that included the decline and loss of Roy Hibbert and the departures of David West and George Hill. George had a close relationship with the architect of those Pacers teams, Larry Bird, who recently stepped down as team president to become a franchise consultant.
gourimoko
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espn.com
Indiana Pacers reached out to Cleveland Cavaliers about possible Paul George trade
Dave McMenaminESPN Staff Writer
4-5 minutes
play
Cavs at 'substantial risk' to acquire George (1:54)
Dave McMenamin explains why the Cavaliers would be willing to deal for Paul George without the assurance he would stay long term and what LeBron James likes most about George's game. (1:54)
5:33 PM PT
George's admission, first reported by The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, prompted Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard to begin canvassing the league for potential offers for the 4-time All-Star who, at 27, averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals for Indiana this season. He upped that production to 28 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.8 steals in a first-round loss to Cleveland in April.
Report: George tells Pacers he's leaving in '18
Paul George has told the Indiana Pacers that he will leave the organization as a free agent after next season, according to The Vertical, which also reported that he would prefer to sign with the Lakers once he is a free agent.
That said, there are only two assets the Cavs possess that would likely grab the Pacers' attention in a potential swap (operating under the assumption that LeBron James is untouchable): Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.
And to part with either the 25-year-old Irving or the 28-year-old Love, both coming off All-Star seasons and on relatively economical long-term deals, without any verbal commitment from George that he planned to stay in Cleveland beyond 2018 would be "hard" to agree to, one source familiar with the Cavs' thinking told ESPN.
James has been an admirer of George for years, dating back to their battles in the Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Miami Heat. When the Cavs outlasted the Pacers 135-130 in overtime in March, with George scoring 43 points to James' 41, the Cavs' superstar recognized George with a post on Instagram.
After that game James also referred to George as a "big-time player," and when pressed further on his relationship with the Pacers swingman said, "We've got a really good friendship, I'm going to leave it at that."
Making matters more complicated for Cleveland is the contract status of general manager David Griffin. He entered the 2016-17 season on a lame-duck deal after failing to come to an extension agreement with owner Dan Gilbert in the summer of 2016 while the franchise was basking in the glory of the first championship for the city of Cleveland in more than 50 years.
Griffin is still shepherding the franchise and fielding calls like Pritchard's even though his contract is set to expire June 30th.
The lack of resolution in Griffin's situation with the NBA Draft just four days away and free agency commencing in 16 days is starting to cause some unrest within the ranks in Cleveland.
Indiana Pacers reached out to Cleveland Cavaliers about possible Paul George trade
Dave McMenaminESPN Staff Writer
4-5 minutes
play
Cavs at 'substantial risk' to acquire George (1:54)
Dave McMenamin explains why the Cavaliers would be willing to deal for Paul George without the assurance he would stay long term and what LeBron James likes most about George's game. (1:54)
5:33 PM PT
Close- Cavs and NBA writer for ESPN.com
- Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14 and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09
- Syracuse University graduate
George's admission, first reported by The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, prompted Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard to begin canvassing the league for potential offers for the 4-time All-Star who, at 27, averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals for Indiana this season. He upped that production to 28 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.8 steals in a first-round loss to Cleveland in April.
Report: George tells Pacers he's leaving in '18
Paul George has told the Indiana Pacers that he will leave the organization as a free agent after next season, according to The Vertical, which also reported that he would prefer to sign with the Lakers once he is a free agent.
NBA trade ideas: Paul George, Jimmy Butler and more big deals
As the NBA draft approaches, trade talk is heating up. Chad Ford presents four big deals that make sense, featuring five top-20 draft picks, several All-Stars and seven teams.
That said, there are only two assets the Cavs possess that would likely grab the Pacers' attention in a potential swap (operating under the assumption that LeBron James is untouchable): Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.
And to part with either the 25-year-old Irving or the 28-year-old Love, both coming off All-Star seasons and on relatively economical long-term deals, without any verbal commitment from George that he planned to stay in Cleveland beyond 2018 would be "hard" to agree to, one source familiar with the Cavs' thinking told ESPN.
James has been an admirer of George for years, dating back to their battles in the Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Miami Heat. When the Cavs outlasted the Pacers 135-130 in overtime in March, with George scoring 43 points to James' 41, the Cavs' superstar recognized George with a post on Instagram.
After that game James also referred to George as a "big-time player," and when pressed further on his relationship with the Pacers swingman said, "We've got a really good friendship, I'm going to leave it at that."
Making matters more complicated for Cleveland is the contract status of general manager David Griffin. He entered the 2016-17 season on a lame-duck deal after failing to come to an extension agreement with owner Dan Gilbert in the summer of 2016 while the franchise was basking in the glory of the first championship for the city of Cleveland in more than 50 years.
Griffin is still shepherding the franchise and fielding calls like Pritchard's even though his contract is set to expire June 30th.
The lack of resolution in Griffin's situation with the NBA Draft just four days away and free agency commencing in 16 days is starting to cause some unrest within the ranks in Cleveland.
RichieRichPaul
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Im telling the Pacers I want
Pg13 and Thad for love and shump
We are taking all the risk and we need a big who can rebound and shoot if love leaves
I might even tell them to throw in Lance too
We need more players than just PG13 if we are assuming the massive risk losing Love
Honestly, then we need to go get CJ miles w our MLE
Kyrie/ lance
Pg13/jr/cj
Lebron/cj/jr
Thad/frye
TT/frye
Our death lineup
Lebron
PG13
CJ
JR
Kyrie
Pg13 and Thad for love and shump
We are taking all the risk and we need a big who can rebound and shoot if love leaves
I might even tell them to throw in Lance too
We need more players than just PG13 if we are assuming the massive risk losing Love
Honestly, then we need to go get CJ miles w our MLE
Kyrie/ lance
Pg13/jr/cj
Lebron/cj/jr
Thad/frye
TT/frye
Our death lineup
Lebron
PG13
CJ
JR
Kyrie
Jscc
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Alec
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I think you have to pursue PG as the last real
chance we have at adding a superstar level player to make a championship run. Given the cap situation, the age of our roster, etc. It's very likely he's a 1-and-done player with us but it works out because this is likely the last time during this era that we will compete with the Warriors.
chance we have at adding a superstar level player to make a championship run. Given the cap situation, the age of our roster, etc. It's very likely he's a 1-and-done player with us but it works out because this is likely the last time during this era that we will compete with the Warriors.
glockcoma
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Cavs have all the leverage IMO. No other team is going to sell the farm for a 1 year rental that isn't even guaranteed to get you to the CF and Indiana won't want to lose PG without any return. There is hope to swing a deal without giving up Love. Not sure about needing a third team or the financials (ill leave that to you nerds who read the cba to sound smart on a message board) ... if anyone can pull of a miracle deal, its Griff.
gourimoko
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I personally don't think we'll trade Kevin Love if it's just a 1-year rental with no other suitors.
We might be able to pull something off with just Thompson/Cedi; with the general impression that George is walking in 1-year to the Lakers regardless (even if that's a lie).
Will be interesting to see how this all plays out... Either way, if George gives the Cavs assurances he'll play here long-term, then I'll trade whatever to get him.
JMoneyYourHoney
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This could play out in about the worst way imaginable if it means trading Love.
Say we do the deal and still get blown out by the Warriors, where does that leave us? George darting for L.A., LeBron possibly following suit, and Kyrie leading a bunch of scrubs once again (only this time all grossly overpaid.)
No thanks. What will likely ultimately happen is the Lakers will part with several assets to get George like we did with Love just for the sake of assurance.
Say we do the deal and still get blown out by the Warriors, where does that leave us? George darting for L.A., LeBron possibly following suit, and Kyrie leading a bunch of scrubs once again (only this time all grossly overpaid.)
No thanks. What will likely ultimately happen is the Lakers will part with several assets to get George like we did with Love just for the sake of assurance.
gourimoko
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I don't think anyone will trade for George since he's said he's literally coming to Los Angeles next offseason. Not many teams are in a position to make such a move, and take such a risk..
And with that said, I doubt the Lakers will actually move any assets for him... From their perspective, they won't be contenders with or without Paul George; so if he's coming to L.A., it'll happen regardless of the pitstops in-between.
For the Cavs, I doubt they'll open up with Kevin Love on the table.. for all of the reasons you just said.
