NBA Rumors: Paul George Leaving Indiana Pacers For Boston Celtics

NBA rumors are swirling around Paul George. The Indiana Pacers were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. They lost a series 3-4 to the Toronto Raptors. Their season has ended, and team president Larry Bird has been making some big moves to start the offseason. Bird decided not to renew head coach Frank Vogel’s contract. Teams in the National Basketball Association might be thinking the former Boston Celtics legend could be looking to trade George for the right price. According to FanSided, one team that might be interested in George is the Celtics.

Paul George has shown flashes of his potential to become a superstar in the NBA. George came into the league as a shooting guard. That’s crazy to hear because the former Fresno State Bulldogs star is 6’9? and weighs 220 pounds. George is one of the better all-around players. He can shoot from beyond the arc, drive into the paint, and be a facilitator. This season, he averaged 23.1 points, seven rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.

The Indiana Pacers have decided not to renew head coach Frank Vogel’s contract. Larry Bird and Vogel had different visions on how to run the team. Bird wanted to run more of an up-tempo offense and play Paul George at the power forward position. George has expressed that he doesn’t want to play the four. Vogel decided to listen to his star player and played him mostly at the small forward position, which is his natural spot.

Two seasons ago, the Boston Celtics traded for point guard Isaiah Thomas. They were hoping that he would be able to push the Celtics into a deep NBA Playoffs run. When they traded for him, he helped them win 22 of their last 34 games. The Celtics were swept by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season, Thomas was the team’s leading scorer with 22.2 points per game. He led the team into the playoffs, and they were again knocked out in the first round. The team looked like they were struggling to find some offense. Team president Danny Ainge has stated that the team has been lacking offensively.

The Boston Celtics are in need of a superstar player. Paul George has proven that he is a star in the NBA. George may be one of the best players in the entire National Basketball Association behind San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard, among others. George also has the ability to find his own shot and can make plays for his teammates. He could be the player that pushes the Celtics into competing for an NBA Championship.

Larry Bird and Danny Ainge have maintained their friendship since their playing days. Bird is the team president of the Indiana Pacers. Ainge is the team president of the Boston Celtics. They could be willing to help each other out. Boston is looking for a superstar, and Paul George could be the guy. The Celtics could acquire George in exchange for multiple draft picks. Ainge is currently holding on to the Brooklyn Nets’ draft pick, which could be the number one overall selection in this year NBA Draft.

This season, Larry Bird wanted to see Paul George play more minutes at the power forward position. George has expressed his discontent with playing at the four. If he were to be traded to the Boston Celtics, Brad Stevens would be able to keep his star player happy by keeping him at the small forward position. Stevens can play Jae Crowder at the four. He is a very versatile player.

If the Boston Celtics can get Paul George, they could be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers could be looking to rebuild. The Celtics have plenty of assets to give.