If the Indiana Pacers make a big splash to add a veteran between now and Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, fear may be the reason why.
According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the Indiana is making its 2017 first-round pick available in deals in order to win as much as they can over the next year-plus. The reason: Paul George’s opt-out.
George, Indiana’s best player and one of the 10-or-so best players in the NBA, can opt-out of his contract after the 2017-18 season. Haynes believes it’s a real possibility unless the team can add enough to convince him that a championship caliber roster is worth re-signing to play with.
In what is considered to be a deep draft, the Pacers are hoping that such an asset would translate to the addition of either an established wing or an established frontline player, according to sources.
George can opt out of his contract at the end of the 2017-18 season. The Pacers have a small window to provide him with a championship-type supporting cast.
Whether he signs an extension this summer probably will be predicated on the moves the franchise can execute up to that point.
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Heading into play after the All-Star break, the Pacers held a 29-28 record. That’s good for sixth in the Eastern Conference, but only three games up on the ninth spot and missing the playoffs all together.
George has also been connected to rumors surrounding the Celtics and Lakers–if the Pacers decide to shop their star.
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Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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