The Indiana Pacers need to figure out exactly what they’re doing with Paul George. He is unquestionably the team’s best player, but George has the option to enter free agency at the end of the 2017-18 season. Additionally, George is from Los Angeles, reportedly wants to join the Lakers, and could bring the franchise a much-needed dose of star power.
With the way the rumor mill has circulated, it seems like there is reason to believe George is going to leave Indiana, either by his own accord or because the team tries to get assets in exchange for him via a trade. But for George, all this talk is premature, because he’s still focused on winning games with the Pacers.
Paul George says he expects to play out his contract with the Pacers next season.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) June 15, 2017
If that wasn’t a firm enough statement about his future, George expanded on this subject.
Paul George: "I’m a Pacer. There’s no way around that. This is my team, my group & this is where I’m at.”
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) June 15, 2017
Paul George: "I’m under contract as a Pacer. That’s all that needs to really be known. I’m here. I’m a Pacer."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) June 15, 2017
George went as far as to express that his ultimate goal is to bring Indiana its first NBA championship ever.
Paul George said the goal remains the same: He wants to win a championship with the Pacers.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) June 15, 2017
George is a great player who suits up for a team in a smaller market, and there’s really no path for him right now to win a ring in Indiana barring a bunch of unforeseen things happening. That’s why all of these rumors about him leaving and going somewhere else – whether it be Los Angeles or elsewhere – make some amount of sense.
Of course, all we really have now is George’s word, so I suppose we have to trust him. Still, a lot can change between now and next summer, so we’ll all just have to wait and see what happens.
(Via The Score)
