It’s been a tough ending to the season for Paul George and the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs completed their sweep of the opening-round series on Sunday with a gritty 106-102 win, and like clockwork, the conversation surrounding Indiana immediately turned to the Pacers’ superstar’s future with the franchise.
It was a pithy response that belies that gravity of the situation, especially considering the fact that George can’t even opt out of his current contract until after next season, which would make him an unrestricted free agent the following summer.
But given all the trade rumors prior to the February deadline, combined with his thinly-veiled dissatisfaction with various teammates during this series, it’s likely to be an ongoing topic this offseason if George decides to try and force his way out of town. There’s been all sorts of talk about the All-Star forward potentially wanting to join his hometown Lakers, which is an idea that Magic Johnson has very publicly expressed interest in.
The Pacers now face a long summer of uncertainty as they may have to wrestle with the prospect of starting over if their franchise cornerstone decides it’s time to move on.
