The Cleveland Cavaliers have swept the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Playoffs and that leaves the Pacers in an awkward position. The team doesn't seem to be getting much better despite the additions of Jeff Teague and Myles Turner over the past couple of years. George was a rumored trade target at February's trade deadline, but nothing happened and it looks like he is already making plans to head out of Indy.
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According to Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News, George has told teammates he wants to join the purple and gold:
"Still in his prime, he already has made two trips to the Eastern Conference finals, both times being denied a trip to the NBA Finals by the best player in the sport, LeBron James. A SoCal native, he's been talking about playing for his hometown team, the Lakers, for a long time. He's never made his long-term intentions a secret within the Pacers' locker room, according to former teammates. He wants to wear the purple and gold."
RELATED: One team reportedly had 'monster' trade offer for Paul George before deadline
While George can't become a free agent until after next season, he could always force a trade or opt out of his contract next summer and become that free agent Indiana fears. He averaged a career-high 23.7 points to go with 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists while shooting a career-best 46.1 percent from the floor and 39.4 percent from beyond the arc.
[h/t 247Sports]
