NBA Trade Rumors: Indiana Pacers Aiming For Jeff Green To Fill Paul George's Slot? Luis Scola, Ian Mahinmi, And 2015 Lottery Protected Pick Offered!
It looks like the Indiana Pacers are about to hit that panic button soon.
With the wake of Paul George's gruesome injury, the Pacers are looking for an immediate replacement. Of course, that is no easy task. George, is easily one of the top 5 Small Forward in the NBA, probably just behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
With George out, there is a huge hole to fill in the offensive department for the Indiana Pacers. George is their prime scorer, and they already traded Danny Granger and let go of Evan Turner while also losing Lance Stephenson.
Sports On Earth had the following suggestion:
"A trade, then, could be in order. George's career is not over; the Pacers should be on the lookout for a one-year rental. The two most ideal options are Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (Hibbert's college teammate and friend) and Philadelphia 76ers sacrificial lamb Thaddeus Young."
Young may be a long shot since he is prominently mentioned in the Kevin Love - Andrew Wiggins trade. Green is a possibility though, but Danny Ainge charges steeply, even when he's dealing with Larry Bird.
"The Celtics are desperate to exchange Green's service for anything that could be helpful in the future. He's due $9.2 million this year and has a player option for the same amount the following season. There's a good chance he opts out, though, eliminating any financial liability beyond this year."
With the Pacers, Green has a big chance to show his talents. He has maximum playing time and possessions.
SOE's proposal:
"The Pacers can offer Luis Scola's non-guaranteed deal, Ian Mahinmi (Boston needs rim protection) and a lottery-protected 2015 first-round pick. Under normal circumstances, no team would give up a draft pick for Green, but these aren't normal circumstances. If Indiana wants to win now -- which, once again, they're built to do -- sacrificing the future for the present may be a necessity."
Indiana is a proud city and they would not condone tanking. While they understand Paul George's situation, an attempt for some relevance will be appreciated.
