Philadelphia 76ers made a 'significant offer' to Indiana Pacers for Paul George

The Philadelphia 76ers (26-44) were one of at least four teams that engaged with the Indiana Pcers (36-34) on a potential Paul George trade prior to last month's NBA Trade Deadline. The Sixers reportedly offered a package of either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor along with Robert Covington and at least two future first-round draft picks for George.

While Noel was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on deadline day, Okafor has re-established himself as an integral part of the Sixers' young core since the All-Star break, putting up his best numbers since the start of the season. Having said that, several insiders expect the Sixers to deal Okafor once again during the offseason due to their long-term plan to start Joel Embiid and Dario Saric in the frontcourt, along with Ben Simmons as a versatile forward-guard entrusted with primary ball-handling duties.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, Pacers president Larry Bird isn't willing to let go off Paul George, a free agent in 2018, but entertained the idea of trading the superstar forward last month. "Bird knows he is on the clock with George. The Lakers loom as a threat in free agency. The Pacers engaged at least the Celtics, Sixers, Hawks and Nuggets in trade talks for George at the deadline, though they never appeared serious about moving him, per league sources," Lowe noted in his report on Monday.

Paul George trade still possible in offseason

The report added that the Sixers were hoping to hold onto their own future picks and move the draft rights of teams such as the Lakers and Sacramento Kings, as a precautionary measure in case George were to leave a year later. The Philadelphia front office, led by Bryan Colangelo, was also confident in its ability to convince George to stay with the impressive young core of Embiid, Simmons and Saric.

The Pacers are eligible to offer George a five-year max contract during the offseason. If George qualifies for an All-NBA team, the Pacers can offer him 35 percent of the projected salary cap, according to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). When George becomes a free agent in 2018, the Pacers would have a significant advantage over potential suitors such as the Lakers, but are not guaranteed to hold onto him. Since George hails from Palmdale, California, several insiders expect him to consider the Lakers as an option next year.

"Paul wants to compete for a title. We want Paul here (in Indiana). He has expressed that he wants to be here. That could change overnight. You never know. But whatever I can spend, I'm going to spend," Bird told ESPN while hinting that he wouldn't rule out a Paul George trade if the superstar forward intends to bolt from Indiana during free agency next year. Paul George is averaging 22.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in his seventh season in the NBA.