12:12pm: “More than a few” rival teams believe the Celtics have a real shot to land George today, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein (Twitter link). However, Wojnarowski tweets that the C’s have no significant traction yet on either George or Jimmy Butler.
10:43am: On the heels of his last George update, Wojnarowski has issued another one, tweeting that the Celtics have now introduced a Nets pick into the discussion. ESPN’s Zach Lowe notes that it’s the 2017 first-rounder (Twitter link). However, Boston has yet to meet the Pacers’ asking price.
10:35am: The Pacers and Celtics had preliminary talks regarding George, but those discussions won’t move forward unless – or until – the C’s put the Nets’ pick on the table, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (via Twitter). Wojnarowski doesn’t specify which of the Nets’ picks he’s referring to, but I’d imagine the 2017 first-rounder would be the Pacers’ preference.
10:00am: The Pacers have shown a willingness this week to listen to inquiries on Paul George, but Indiana’s asking price on the star forward is “off the charts,” tweets Frank Isola of The New York Daily News. A league source who spoke to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders echoed that sentiment, suggesting that George would be “massively expensive” to obtain. That source said that his own team didn’t have anywhere close to the assets to pursue such a deal.
[RELATED: Lakers inquired on Paul George]
Outside of the fact that it would take a huge package to pry George away from the Pacers, potential suitors will be apprehensive about making a deal because they know that he wants to win in Indiana, tweets Chris Haynes of ESPN.com. As Haynes explains, George’s top preference would be to ultimately re-up with the Pacers, while the Lakers would be his Plan B. The All-Star forward wouldn’t be willing to commit long-term to a team besides those two.
Meanwhile, as has been previously reported, a recent meeting between George and Pacers owner Herb Simon prompted Indiana to more seriously consider all of its options with PG13, since he indicated during that meeting that he wants to stay with the Pacers for the long term only if the team can be a serious contender. Haynes tweets that the meeting between George and Simon was “cordial,” with no ultimatum given.
Tough decision but if Lakers are smart they’ll wait til last moment b4 Free agency and take a look if he shows indications of signing as Fa better you keep assets. Pacers are in the D12 position nothing if he walks so trade now is wiser imo. You can only get what others are willing to pay he wants to be relevant to winning it all. Lakers have some pieces they may develop to help that, Celtics too are in the mix
Don’t trade that pick, Danny. I’d much rather see the Cs go after Drummond with a reasonable package and keep the Nets’ pick.
I agree,, why give up everything knowing he’s more than likely going to bail on you after next season to head back to Indy or lakers..
Go after Drummond where you need the biggest help…
I could see him staying in Boston honestly.
Ditto. Boston tends to retain their stars. Ainge will slide a blank check their way without even hesitating
just my observations, since the kg and ray Allen deals ainge seems to have lost his testicles. no cousins, probably no Jimmy. I get pg13 if you think he’s going to lakers but damn ainge you’re so ball less Lakers fans are fed IP with you Hahahaha
Why isn’t Philly jumping on this? Trade Okafor and Noel and all their extra picks coming up. Then boom – Embiid, George, Simmons…big 3 of their own.
You say that, but look at the hesitation Ainge is showing with just 1 pick from his treasure trove of 13 over the next 4 drafts…
You can keep Okafor.
Keep the Nets pk and get Drummond..
i prefer Lakers trade :
George to LA
Randle, Ingram(Russell or clarkson) and First to Ind
The first round pick is either the Rockets pick this year (no thanks) or the Lakers pick in a future year (no thanks). The Nets pick alone (assuming no protections) is more valuable than whatever pick the Lakers offered and Randle/Clarkson.
isiah thomas and paul george and al horford. that would be a solid squad.
Paul George to the Celtics is actually a good trade for both teams. Not sure what Ainge is holding onto that lotto pick for. He should trade the #1, either Smart or Brown and maybe even Crowder for George. That’s a top 10 player you’re getting. Thomas, Horford, and George (along with Bradley, etc.) is a top 2 team in the East easily….they may even beat the Cavs in a 7 game series.
Agreed. Not sure if thats enough to take down the Warriors. But after a year of gelling together and adding complimentary pieces wherever the new holes appear, they will make a serious run for the trophy in 2018
Why have Bulls and Indiana had any discussions with Boston at all without BKN17 on the table? Neither team should have answered the phone or text message if BKN17 wasn’t already part of the deal. Seriously!
Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and the 2017 Nets pick for Paul George and a future draft pick should get it done
Steph > Isiah (close but gotta go with the back to back mvp)
Klay > Avery
Durant > Paul George
Greene > jaylen brown/olynk/whoever
Zaza < Al Horford
I honestly think if Boston does pull the trigger on getting PG, they will regret it. I think they could take Cleveland honestly. They seem to be vulnerable this year. You want Fultz instead? That to me just isn’t worth the risk. You know you’re geting a definite star in Paul George. I think the time is now for the Celtics to do this and I think going forward in the future they will easily be able to convince him to stay.
I meant if they don’t pull the trigger they will regret it.
I agree. Paul George to the Celtics would be awesome. And I’m a Warriors fan. But I think it would make the Celtics great.
Get Drummond…need that interior presence.
As a Pacers fan (so I’ll admit I’m probably biased here), if the Celtics want George, then it starts at the Nets 2017 pick (with no protections attached). After that, one of Brown/Smart and one of Crowder/Bradley is what I would be hoping for. Can throw in whatever minor pieces to sweeten it (James Young, future protected pick, draft and stash player, etc) if needed. If the salaries don’t match, throw in Johnson/Jerebko/Olynyk. Pacers could throw anyone else into the deal, outside of Turner, if the Celtics feel they need some more value or want a rotation player.
On one hand I say stay the course as Warriors too good this year! Sign a free agent and draft smart! This 2017 and 2018 pick will help add to this young team and some may become impact players down the road. Plus having the space to sign an impact free agent in the summer! Slow and steady may lead the Celtics into multiple championships down the road!
On the other hand, PAUL GEORGE! Damn team will compete right now for a championship and if able to somehow manuever a Drummond deal as well, look out!! Multiple championships!! Seems win win