Add the Washington Wizards to the list of potential landing spots for Paul George. At least if you ask John Wall, that is. Wall reportedly has lobbied George personally to consider a move to D.C. to chase a championship in the nation’s capital.
The Undefeated reported on Monday that Wall has actively tried to get George to consider Washington while the Indiana Pacers decide what to do with the star player whose contract expires at the end of next season.
“I am talking to some guys — Paul. I know his ultimate goal of where he wants to be. I’m trying to see if we can make something happen,” Wall told The Undefeated before the NBA awards on Monday night.
A lot of players probably want Paul George on their team come this fall, so Wall isn’t exactly alone there. What matters is whether the Wizards have the assets to give up in order to convince Indiana to let him go. Or if they’re willing to wait until he’s a free agent after this season.
Cleveland also pushed hard for George but it turns out neither the Pacers nor the Chicago Bulls were interested in Kevin Love. The same might be the case for whoever the Wizards offer up in order to get George.
But the Wizards have indeed been talking to the Pacers to see if it could actually happen.
The Wizards have had trade conversations with the Pacers, a source told The Undefeated. The source added that the Pacers have been patient and no deal with the Wizards is close at the moment.
“Look at our team. We are one piece away,” Wall said. “We have the point guard, we have the shooting guard, we have the center, we have the power forward. Our 3-man, [Otto Porter Jr.], did great for us. You can’t take nothing away from what he did. But, [George] is a guy that can guard LeBron and go back at LeBron. It’s a piece that you’re going to need to win. If you don’t have a guy who can do that, you don’t have a chance. …
“You got to add another star. You got to add another piece. You got to have three guys. And that’s what it’s looking like.”
Adding that piece isn’t so sure of a thing with George though. Trading for him would still be a one-season rental unless George were convinced re-sign with the team that acquires him. That’s a possibility, but far from a sure thing at this point for anyone beyond possibly the Lakers, who George has definitely said he’d play for. Until he says something otherwise, nothing here is a sure bet.
