With the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ front office organization up in the air, making heads or tails of potential moves has turned into a mixed bag. Though trade talks for Indiana Pacers forward Paul George have simmered, specifically because of the two-way star’s wish to land with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, insider Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net is saying the Cavs are still very well in the mix for the Pacers superstar.
Contrary to some reports, #Cavs still in on Paul George, I'm told. Again, #Pacers said to be hopeful of moving George by tomorrow at latest.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 21, 2017
This also suggests that the Lakers’ current offer (two first-round picks in addition to Julius Randle or Jordan Clarkson), or any other team’s proposal, hasn’t fit Indiana’s bill, giving the Cavs operating room to rework their offer before tomorrow night’s draft. The Lakers currently hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Pacers have made it known that they covet a high draft pick for George. As for the Cavs, there’s an understanding that George would come to the team as a “rental,” without any promise of signing long-term.
A deal for George would likely mean the departure of power forward Kevin Love, who’s owed over $72 million over the next three seasons. They likely want to get out from under his contract, especially if they believe LeBron James will take his talents westward after next season.