The Cleveland Cavaliers are still pursuing a trade for Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, with the Denver Nuggets as a possible third team. This was the latest report from ESPN’s Marc Stein, who claimed that the trade would bring George to Cleveland and that the Nuggets would get power forward Kevin Love. In another version of the deal, the Cavs may also get Kenneth Faried from the Nuggets.
The Pacers, for their part, will get a combination of young players and draft picks from the Nuggets but their identities are unclear at this point. However, it was reported that Faried, Wilson Chandler and Emmanuel Mudiay are available, while center Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are untouchable.
The Pacers are trying to find a trade partner for George after the All-Star recently declared that this will be his last year in Indiana.
Many teams are steering clear of a trade for George as he is considered a rental, with just one year remaining on his deal with the Pacers. Trading for George would be a big gamble, especially if he decides not to sign a contract extension with the new team.
Cavaliers aiming to get better after Finals loss
The Cavaliers are working on improving their roster after they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals in five games. Earlier, they were rumored to be pursuing Jimmy Butler but he turned down the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James.
The Chicago Bulls later traded Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With Butler not available, the Cavaliers ramped up their pursuit of George, whom many believe is a key piece in their quest to regain the NBA title next season. The Cavaliers are also expected to pursue Carmelo Anthony if he gets a buyout from the New York Knicks.
For the Cavs, Love will be the odd man out in their effort to beef up their roster for next season. Love was known to be a dependable scorer and rebounder in his stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cavs but his lack of defense proved to be a liability. He was also a non-factor in the NBA Finals against the Warriors.
In 60 games, Love averaged 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds but his production dipped to 16.8 points and 10.6 rebounds in the postseason.
George not leaving Indiana home yet
It was reported that George was already moving out of Indiana when photos of moving trucks were spotted outside his home. However, George clarified via Twitter that the moving trucks belonged to his neighbor.
