NBA trade rumor mill is already percolating hours before the start of trade season. On Thursday, all contracts - including those of newly-signed players - can be used in any deal on the trade market.
One of the names who have been gaining traction as of late is All-Star forward Paul George. Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical of Yahoo Sports confirmed that several teams have already expressed interest in trading for the two-way winger. The only problem is the Pacers aren't interested in parting ways with their franchise player at this point.
"I know teams have been calling Indiana, and they're going to ask about Paul George, and the answer is absolutely, positively no," Wojnarowski said in a conversation with Bobby Marks on The Vertical's podcast via Hoops Rumors. "He is not available. There is no conversation to be had. Don't even make offers to us, we are not moving Paul George."
Wojnarowski added the Pacers are focused on adding players who would compliment George and rising star Myles Turner. Still, interest in George isn't going to slowdown in foreseeable future, simply because he will enter the final year of his contract after 2016-17 season.
Per Woj:
"Their mindset in Indiana is to continue to try to build around Paul George and Myles Turner and try to find a combination around them that will get Paul to want to re-sign and stay there. That being said, I think the Pacers are very much open for business with almost everybody else."
George is averaging 21.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his second year after that horrendous leg injury in 2014. Unfortunately, despite gaudy numbers from George and key acquisition last summer, the Pacers are a disappointing 13-13 in the season.
