3:32pm: According to ESPN’s Marc Stein (via Twitter), Larry Bird was “determined to swat away all pitches” for George this week, even though team ownership felt that it was necessary to hear out potential suitors.
1:49pm: The Pacers have passed on trade offers for Paul George, and the All-Star forward will remain with the team through the trade deadline, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (via Twitter).
After insisting for most of the season that George was unavailable, the Pacers wavered on that stance in recent days, after PG13 met with owner Herb Simon. In that meeting, George expressed a desire to remain with Indiana for the long term, but only if the Pacers are in a position to be a legit contender.
There’s a belief that George is very interested in the possibility of signing with the Lakers when he’s eligible for free agency in 2018, so Indiana felt obligated to explore the market and consider the possibility of a rebuild around Myles Turner. For now, George remains in Indiana, though it’s possible the team will consider a trade again in the summer.
With the Pacers listening to inquiries on George this week, the Lakers and Celtics reportedly talked to Indiana, while the Nuggets are believed to have made a “monster” offer that the Pacers turned down.
So ainge did nothing.. I’m fine not getting the big fish, but didn’t even try for a center to help with rebounding issues.. get on the phone to Kidd and get Monroe…
Monroe is an offensive minded center. He’s a below average rebounder for his size
Todd…who did you want Ainges to get? Bogut will be waived by Philly, so they can sign him without giving any assets up
No guarantee he signs with Boston (as Cleveland likely offers a better chance at a championship). And who gets waived? James Young I suppose, but the Celtics would have to clear a roster spot for Bogut.
Lol cleveland can’t sign any FA for the next 4 billion years because of their cap situation.
Ainge does not know what he is doing, I would understand if this draft had a for sure superstar in it but the top players play the position Isaiah Thomas plays. IDC how good Fultz or Ball are projected to be, Thomas is averaging nearly 30 and chasing a scoring title and is single handedly carrying that Celtics offense.
My understanding is Fultz and Ball could both become SG’s. Also, I thought these talks might be more for draft day once everyone knows where that Nets pick is.
Aren’t both more ball-dominant guards? I admittedly haven’t watched them this year, or read a report on them, but I thought I remember one of the writers here saying they are ball-dominant guards. If so, how would they fit next to IT? I know IT can shoot from three, but isn’t he kind of ball dominant too?
Get ready to lose George next off-season Larry, this current team has no shot at beating the Cavs unless Myles Turner evolves into Amare Stoudemire or Kevin Garnett.