Ever since his season ended in the first round of the playoffs, the rumors surrounding Indiana Pacers star Paul George have been running rampant. Whether it is joining the Los Angeles Lakers or the Cleveland Cavaliers, it seems everyone believes George will be elsewhere next season.
Despite it being reported that the Pacers are not actively shopping George, many still believe it is only a matter of time before he is moved.
George, however, doesn’t believe he’ll be moved and said he expects to play out his contract with the Pacers, according to Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star:
Paul George says he expects to play out his contract with the Pacers next season.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) June 15, 2017
George also added that his goal, to win a championship with the Pacers, remains the same, via Taylor:
Paul George said the goal remains the same: He wants to win a championship with the Pacers.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) June 15, 2017
George may expect to remain with the Pacers throughout his contract, but that doesn’t change the fact that it may be best for the Pacers to trade him before he hits free agency. George could leave in 2018, and the Pacers would get nothing for their star player.
That may not be a risk the Pacers are willing to take considering all of the constant rumors about George’s desire to come to Los Angeles. In fact teams don’t want to offer huge trade packages for George for that exact reason.
For the time being, it looks like the Pacers will try to continue to surround George with the talent necessary to compete in the Eastern Conference. That in itself might be difficult, however, as starting point guard Jeff Teague is a free agent and will need to be re-signed.
The Pacers also don’t have many trade pieces outside of big man Myles Turner, who the team sees as a major re-building piece and likely wouldn’t be willing to sacrifice.
Everyone may expect George to be somewhere else, but for now, George sounds intent to remain a Pacer.