With Indiana Pacers swept, a Paul George trade is coming

Paul George and Indiana Pacers are headed for an inevitable breakup this summer, according to several NBA insiders. On Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a 4-0 series sweep of the Pacers in their first-round playoff series, possibly signalling the end of the Paul Georg Era in Indiana.

Prior to February's NBA Trade Deadline, the Pacers reportedly fielded offers for George but weren't ready to trade their superstar. Since George is an unrestricted free agent in 2018, the Pacers would have to trade the all-star forward in the near future or risk losing him for nothing next summer. Needless to say, the team that parts with valuable assets for George, would do so only if they are confident about re-signing him next year. Therefore, the Pacers front office, led by Boston Celtics great Larry Bird, will have their work cut out this offseason.

Paul George to Lakers on the cards?

It's no secret that George has been linked strongly to hometown franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers. Earlier this year, Sam Amick of USA Today reported that "Paul George -- barring a title chance in Indy -- is hell-bent on heading for Laker Land. This message has been sent throughout NBA." Several other beat writers from Indiana confirmed the report while ESPN's Zach Lowe wrote that "George's interest in LA is real, and widely known."

The Indiana Pacers are still in a position to out-bid potential suitors in NBA Free Agency 2018. However, George would not qualify for "Designated Player Exception" if he doesn't make an All-NBA team this season. In that scenario, George would be leaving roughly US$30 million (AU$39.6 million) on the table by going elsewhere as compared to US$80 million (AU$105 million) if he were to make an All-NBA team.

The team that retains George's Bird Rights (possibly Lakers if they trade for him) can re-up the forward to a five-year extension in excess US$200 million (AU$264 million) as compared to other teams that can offer George a four-year deal worth approximately US$130 million (AU$172 million). It would make financial sense for Lakers to pursue a Paul George trade now rather than waiting until next summer to sign him in free agency.

Magic Johnson is high on Paul George, per insiders

According to Basketball Insiders, Lakers president Magic Johnson will pursue a Paul George trade this summer. "If Magic Johnson is as hot for George as he has led the public to believe, the prospect of the Pacers being able to offer George such a higher sum would probably make Johnson more desperate to trade for him than attempt to win his services via free agency. Obviously, signing George as a free agent would make the Lakers a stronger team, as they wouldn’t be required to part with any of the members of their young core in receiving him.

"However, the ability to avoid the bidding war on a 27-year-old player who has already proven capable of shouldering the burden for a franchise would be enticing to Magic. That George is a native of Los Angeles would only bolster the credibility and support that he would have with Lakers fans from day one," Moke Hamilton wrote in his report published Sunday.

Paul George averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in his seventh season for the Indiana Pacers. The two-way wing was drafted 10th overall by the Pacers in 2010. George led the Pacers to two Eastern Conference finals appearances besides making three All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams.