Paul George trade: Celtics believe they can convince Pacers star to sign extension

The Boston Celtics are willing to surrender significant assets on a Paul George trade with belief that they can convince the All-Star to sign an extension, according to a new report. But before fielding an offer for George, the Celtics are expected to make an aggressive run at free agent forward Gordon Hayward.

For salary-cap purposes, the Celtics would require a commitment from Hayward before it can finalise a trade for George. It has been widely reported that George, upon becoming a free agent in 2018, wishes to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, the Celtics believe they can sway him away from L.A. by putting together a roster worthy of dethroning the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, on the other hand, are many years away from contending with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.

Paul George to Celtics nearly happened on draft day

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Pacers and Celtics have been close to coming to terms on a Paul George trade. "Indiana has been focused on trying to complete a deal with Boston for George, league sources told The Vertical. The sides were growing close to a deal on draft night, but a third-team scenario fell through late in the evening that stalled talks. Indiana is desirous of the young players and future draft picks that Boston is uniquely able to offer the Pacers for George."

With George making clear his intentions to bolt from Indiana in free agency next summer, the Pacers front office have no option but to trade their franchise player ahead of the 2017-18 season. The Pacers have very little leverage in Paul George trade discussions since suitors are hesitant to part with valuable assets for a one-year "rental." However, if Pacers can sign Hayward or Blake Griffin in the forthcoming NBA Free Agency 2017 period (starting July 1), George could view the Celtics as an attractive destination.

Paul George trade: Pacers hoping for young assets, picks

Previously, the Pacers were expected to acquire multiple first-round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft as part of their efforts to rebuild the team. However, the draft came and went without a Paul George trade coming to fruition.

The Pacers drafted UCLA forwards TJ Leaf and Ike Anigbogu with the No. 18 and No. 47 picks. At the end of the eventful draft, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said his team considered a plethora of offers for a Paul George trade but couldn't pull off a deal.

A Paul George trade is still very much likely to happen before the start of the 2017-18 NBA season. 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. He led the Pacers to two Eastern Conference finals appearances besides making three All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. Stay tuned for the latest rumblings on a potential Paul George to Celtics trade, Lakers trade news and updates from NBA Free Agency 2017.