The Indiana Pacers are likely going in this year's playoffs but Paul George is still unhappy. He expressed his frustration recently about the team's chemistry and he wants things to improve. Will "PG13" demand a trade this offseason?
In a recent interview with Zach Lowe of ESPN, Paul George expressed his desire for the Pacers to have more chemistry heading into the postseason. He was reminiscing about the Indiana team back in the first half of the 2013-14 season that crumbled in the second half.
"Having a strong chemistry and identity, we don't have one now. I've never been on a team without an identity, without a toughness identity," George said.
Paul George expressed the same sentiment on Thursday after losing to the Boston Celtics, 109-100, wherein his 37 points were not enough. He was kind of envious of the Celtics' chemistry and he wants something like that for Pacers, per Jay King of Mass Live.
The Pacers know that they have to do the right moves this offseason in order to persuade Paul George to stay in Indiana. The team can also trade him to start a full rebuild around Myles Turner since teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets inquired about him at the deadline.
The 26-year-old can opt of out his contract at the end of the 2017-18 season and become a free agent. There are rumors linking him to the Lakers and with Magic Johnson in the front office loaded with a young core and money, he can convince Paul George to come home.
Paul George insisted in several interviews that he wants to play for a contender and Pacers general manager Larry Bird knows it's his last chance to do it this summer. "PG13" was also reportedly upset at Bird and front office for not communicating with him at the trade deadline.
The Pacers are in a very precarious position since they can lose Paul George for nothing at the end of the 2017-18 season. His value is not going to be high next season because teams are afraid to acquire a one-year rental. Nevertheless, the time is ticking for Pacers and George to decide whether they still work together or it's time to go their separate ways.
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