When an NBA player is nearing their career’s end, we must give them their flowers. It may even be worth our time to get ahead of the curve. Some players who deserve recognition should have a half-decade or so left in the league. For example, take Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers.
One could argue that George is underrated. He’s never won an MVP, but we see George’s influence on the game. Pick a young wing making his way in the league. Chances are, George helped to shape his game. He’s been a prototypical shot at creating a 3-and-D wing. George has been a highly positive force on every team he’s played.
It all started with the Indiana Pacers. George and his scrappy Pacers were the only real threat to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference for a while. Could George find his way back to the Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, G TJ McConnell, G/F Bennedict Mathurin, 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Paul George
On the other hand, some players are just getting started. That’s the way of life. As one wave of NBA superstars exit the league, another wave enters. At the moment, the Pacers have got a few players who could be big parts of the league in a few years. Meanwhile, they’ve got one player who has already achieved stardom.
We’re talking about Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers must be thrilled with him. Haliburton is already one of the best point guards in the entire league. Meanwhile, at 23, he’s still got room to improve. This is one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
How should the Pacers build around him? It’s hard to say. This team already has another key win-now player in Myles Turner. The Pacers could be a piece away from making noise in the playoffs. Could George be that piece?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Some Pacers fans will say this isn’t their organization’s move. They’ll prefer a more patient approach. That’s fair. The Pacers are young. They missed the playoffs last season. Shouldn’t they be prioritizing internal growth instead?
Perhaps. With that said, let’s be honest – the small-market Pacers don’t typically operate that way. They generally prefer to be competitive. If the Pacers can add the best player in a trade, they typically do it. Here, the Pacers are adding the best player in the trade – and it isn’t even close.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
How far does a core group of Haliburton, George, and Turner get them? We’re not sure – but we’re confident it will land them in the playoffs. If the pieces gel properly, they could even go further. Should the Clippers help the Pacers get back into the postseason?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
We’ve been very complimentary of George to this point. He’s incredible, but his career hasn’t been perfect. Unfortunately, the last few years of George’s career have been marked by injuries. George can’t seem to stay on the floor.
Neither can Kawhi Leonard. That’s a big issue for the Clippers. This team is committed to a pair of stars who tend to get hurt. At some point, they’ll have to change course. If the front office agrees, this would be a great way for them to take a different direction.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
More than anything, the Clippers do this deal for Mathurin and the draft capital. Mathurin has star potential – he needs to work on his scoring efficiency, but if he can do that, he should make All-Star teams throughout his career. Throw in a pair of first-round picks, and who knows? This could be enough for the Clippers to send George home.
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