Paul George’s future with the Indiana Pacers is uncertain. The veteran forward isn’t happy about his situation with the Pacers and appears to be forcing the team’s front office to make aggressive moves if they want to keep him long-term.
One move that may help Larry Bird and the Pacers brass to retain George is acquiring Gordon Hayward. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, George would love to play alongside the Utah Jazz star:
It all makes you wonder if the Pacers are one player away from being really good, and if they might be able to find that player this summer. George would love to play with hometown boy Gordon Hayward, according to sources, but that would appear unlikely.
Hayward has a $16.7 million player option on his contract for next season. The 27-year-old will likely opt out of his deal in an attempt to secure his long-term future in Utah or elsewhere.
Bird could make pursuing Hayward a high priority for the Pacers if George has indeed expressed interest in wanting to play with the Indianapolis native. The Los Angeles Lakers, who George has been linked to often over the past month or so, may also try to pursue the Butler product if they feel it would help lure George to Los Angeles in NBA free agency in the summer of 2018.
The rumors will continue to swirl involving George and his intentions. Along with the Pacers potentially attempting to upgrade their roster to convince George to stay, trade rumors will almost certainly spark up once again this summer with the Lakers possibly trying to make a move to acquire him.