Paul George trade: Lakers could offer Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and 28th pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly willing to offer a package of Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in Thursday's Draft in exchange for Indiana Pacers star Paul George. With George informing Indiana of his plans to pursue free agency next year, the new Pacers front office, led by Kevin Pritchard, has little option but to move the All-Star forward before the 2017-18 season.
The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski revealed Monday in The Vertical Podcast with Woj that the Lakers have no intention to part with Brandon Ingram and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. “The Lakers aren’t giving them Brandon Ingram. They aren’t giving them the No. 2 pick."
Julius Randle is 'expendable', says Woj
The NBA insider added that the Lakers view Randle as "expendable" since they want to pursue other max-level free agents next year. The Lakers could be hesitant to pay Randle, a Restricted Free Agent in 2018, max money next offseason.
"I think what's realistic is the Lakers say to them 'we will give you some combination of Clarkson and Randle'. With the Lakers looking to get another max free agent next year, possibly LeBron James, Randle becomes expendable since they will struggle to pay him his rookie extension. Therefore, the Lakers are open to moving Randle," said Woj, hinting at the possibility of James teaming up with George in L.A.
While Randle is due for a major payday next summer, Clarkson signed a four-year contract worth US$50 million (AU$67 million) last July. The duo is still viewed as an integral part of the Lakers' young core. Randle averaged 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his second season with the Lakers (missed his rookie season with a leg injury). Clarkson averaged 14.7 points, 2.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds in his third season with the Purple & Gold.
After Wojnarowski reported that Pritchard is accepting offers "for a rental" since George has only a year left on his contract, ESPN's Zach Lowe tweeted late on Sunday that "sense from teams talking to Indiana is that (the) Pacers intend to move fast on a PG deal."
Paul George to Lakers: Team can sign forward as a free agent
Earlier this year, USA Today's Sam Amick reported that George has often fantasised about succeeding retired legend Kobe Bryant as the new franchise player of the Los Angeles Lakers. The reports surfacing on Sunday confirmed that George intends to sign with the Lakers in 2018. Therefore, Magic Johnson & Co. could hold on to their assets and simply add George via free agency next summer.
However, the Lakers could also risk losing the star forward to a championship contender such as Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics -- two teams that have expressed interest in a Paul George trade. If George can help the Cavs or Celtics make significant strides next season, he could possibly stay long term in the East.
Paul George averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in his seventh season for the Indiana Pacers. The two-way wing was drafted 10th overall by the Pacers in 2010. George led the Pacers to two Eastern Conference finals appearances besides making three All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. Stay tuned for the latest rumblings on a potential Paul George trade, Lakers trade news and updates from the NBA offseason.
