Paul George trade, Washington Wizards
Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates with Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross (31) and Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) after the 2014 NBA All Star dunk contest at Smoothie King Center. USA TODAY Sports / Bob Donnan-

Washington Wizards All-Star is admittedly trying to recruit fellow Indiana Pacers All-Star Paul George to join him in the nation's capital. 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 Wall can convince George to commit to a long-term extension with the Wizards, the Pacers could expect to get valuable assets from Washington.

"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 ahead of the 2017 NBA awards on Monday.

Wall led the Wizards to a 49-33 record last season and just one win away from a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Wizards lost 4-3 to the Boston Celtics in a dramatic semi-final series. According to Wall, the Wizards are just a piece away from legitimately challenging the Cleveland Cavaliers for the East and potentially the Golden State Warriors for the NBA championship.

"Look at our team. We are one piece away. We have the point guard (myself), we have the shooting guard (Bradley Beal), we have the centre, we have the power forward. Our 3-man, (Otto Porter Jr.), did great for us. You can't take anything 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," Wall said, explaining how George could fix the needed holes in his team.

Paul George trade: Sign-and-trade for Otto Porter?

According to RealGM, the Wizards could entertain the idea of doing a sign-and-trade by including Otto Porter Jr., who is a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) starting July 1. Of course, it would require George to make a long-term commitment to Washington. According to several reports, George wishes to join hometown franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers, as a free agent next July.

Wall and George entered the NBA together in 2010. While Wall was drafted No. 1 overall by Washington, George fell to the Pacers at No. 10. The two stars have built a lot of camaraderie since. "We've been friends and we've talked throughout the summer. He has to make a decision that is comfortable to him. But at the end of the day, you always have to get (star players). You have to go out swinging. You got to get a yes or a no," Wall, who made an All-NBA and All-Star team this season for his consistent performances, said.

A Paul George trade is still very much likely to happen before the start of the 2017-18 NBA season. The Pacers front office is weighing offers from the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics, according to reports. The Wizards had also engaged the Pacers in talks before Thursday's draft.