Stein: The Pacers and Lakers have engaged on Paul George trade talks

[mnshyn]

It's a catch-22.

Do you want the Lakers to blow substantial assets to get Paul George thus jeopardizing their future yet probably hurting the Celtics chances at LAL '18?

I also have no idea why LAL would waste anything of value to get PG right now when they can wait a year and get him via FA.   

It blows that IND got screwed over in this.

I believe for the bird rights.  If another team gets him, say us for example, if he happens to like our team, playing for Brad and such, chemistry and a long playoff run we’d have that plus the extra money to offer him. Him going to LA may not be a slam dunk at that’s point.

In my mind, him asking for the trade now forces LA’s hand a bit and helps Indiana more than hurts I believe, because they will get some kind of value for him rather than him walking away and IND getting nothing. I think teams know that the extra money and possible success may entice PG to stay there so there might be a bidding war for his services.

Playing for home is great.. but more money and winning may be a bigger factor.

If I’m wrong about the bird rights, please correct me, but that’s my understanding.

[Big333223]

Indiana has no reason to take back junk from LA so it will be interesting. LA will have to give up something to get him this year. Regardless adding PG to that team doesn't make them a playoff team.

George can sit the season. And walk. They have a lot of reasons to take back junk

Sometimes you're better off with nothing instead of junk. Pacers have no reason to do him or the Fakers any favors. I'm hearing if they do a trade now that the Fakers can give him a 5 year super max contract next year. So I'd say PG has the most to lose. Pacers could keep him this year he shatters his leg again than he's screwed. If I were the Pacers I'd play hard ball!

It's my understand that, if the Lakers were to trade for him now, they would be able to give him a 5 year contract but not the super max. Only the Pacers could give him the super max and George would only be eligible for that super max if he makes an all NBA team next year.

[saltlover]

Indiana has no reason to take back junk from LA so it will be interesting. LA will have to give up something to get him this year. Regardless adding PG to that team doesn't make them a playoff team.

George can sit the season. And walk. They have a lot of reasons to take back junk

Sometimes you're better off with nothing instead of junk. Pacers have no reason to do him or the Fakers any favors. I'm hearing if they do a trade now that the Fakers can give him a 5 year super max contract next year. So I'd say PG has the most to lose. Pacers could keep him this year he shatters his leg again than he's screwed. If I were the Pacers I'd play hard ball!

It's my understand that, if the Lakers were to trade for him now, they would be able to give him a 5 year contract but not the super max. Only the Pacers could give him the super max and George would only be eligible for that super max if he makes an all NBA team next year.

Your understanding is correct.

[Donoghus]

So, are you getting PG for Julius Randle & filler now?

[jambr380]

Not sure what the Lakers are offering now that Russell has been traded to BKN. Even though George to LAL looks like a slam dunk, it is still in their best interest to acquire him now, be able to offer him the 5-year max, and not let him see what a more successful scenario might look like (Boston).

[Monkhouse]

Why can't we beat that offer. Convince George to stay, and watch as the Lakers crumble once again in FA, while giving up an valuable asset in Russell?

[CelticsElite]

Pg will be traded to lakers. Watch

[Phantom255x]

Again, I ask the same question.

Why would LAL give up #27, 28, Randle/Clarkson and another small asset for a guy who can just sign with them outright after next season.

Not like they are winning the Finals or even finishing Top-5 in the West with Lonzo + George added (at the expense of Russell and either Randle/Clarkson).

[Big333223]

Indiana has no reason to take back junk from LA so it will be interesting. LA will have to give up something to get him this year. Regardless adding PG to that team doesn't make them a playoff team.

George can sit the season. And walk. They have a lot of reasons to take back junk

Sometimes you're better off with nothing instead of junk. Pacers have no reason to do him or the Fakers any favors. I'm hearing if they do a trade now that the Fakers can give him a 5 year super max contract next year. So I'd say PG has the most to lose. Pacers could keep him this year he shatters his leg again than he's screwed. If I were the Pacers I'd play hard ball!

It's my understand that, if the Lakers were to trade for him now, they would be able to give him a 5 year contract but not the super max. Only the Pacers could give him the super max and George would only be eligible for that super max if he makes an all NBA team next year.

Your understanding is correct.

That comment from saltover is all I've ever wanted from this forum.

[droopdog7]

Again, I ask the same question.

Why would LAL give up #27, 28, Randle/Clarkson and another small asset for a guy who can just sign with them outright after next season.

Not like they are winning the Finals or even finishing Top-5 in the West with Lonzo + George added (at the expense of Russell and either Randle/Clarkson).

Because there is always a chance that George is traded to another team, they win, and he stays there.  Also, George really wants to get traded before he becomes a free agent because he stands to make more money by resigning with the lakers rather than signing as a free agent.