The Indiana Pacers are forced to make a number of crucial decisions this offseason, after failing to reach beyond the first-round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the second time in a row. Hoops Rumors NBA analyst Hoops Adams think these decision involves Jeff Teague’s upcoming free-agency, draft picks, and of course the Paul George trade scenario.
To keep or not to keep Jeff Teague?
The Pacers traded for Teague last summer with hope of adding more firepower to their offense, which is something George Hill could not provide during his tenure.
Teague averaged 15.3 points, 7.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from the 3-point territory.
The Pacers are projected to have a starting cap space of just over $13 million, but they can jack up their buying power by renouncing their hold on Lavoy Allen, Kevin Seraphin and Aaron Brooks. Moreover, letting Cj Miles walk away will give them around $20 million to spend – enough to keep Teague on board.
Adams believe, other than convincing George to stay beyond next season, re-signing Teague is a top priority for the Pacers since they don’t have an in-house play-making prospect to step up.
What to do with Draft Pick?
Speaking of point guard prospect, the Pacers will have the no.18 pick in this year’s draft.
Elite point guard prospects Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz. Dennis Smith Jr, and even Malik Monk might have already been taken at that point, but the Pacers can always take a closer look at international prospects like Frank Ntilikina or Kentucky’s De’Aron Fox.
There is even a discussion of trading George for a team that possesses a top-3 pick.
The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers are all interested in George and primed to get a top-3 pick. Adams believes this could even lead to a bidding war for George’s service, giving the Pacers the leverage to ask for more.
Paul George trade
Whether or not he makes the All-NBA team, George’s future in Indiana is everything but locked.
PG13 has long expressed his desire to take his talent to Los Angeles, where Magic Johnson and the young Lakers are waiting for him. However, the Celtics might have an edge in the bidding war because they can sweeten the deal with a better package of young players and draft picks. If that happens, the mantle of duty as the franchise’s player will be given to young forward Myles Turner.
