The Indiana Pacers are aware that at this point in the offseason, they simply cannot find someone to fully replace Paul George for the year. The shooting guard was the leader of the team last season along with Lance Stephenson in statistics and neither player will be on the court for the Pacers come the fall. So what moves do the Pacers make with limited assets and draft picks?
The Pacers lack several assets to get marquee players, but the team is being linked to options that could help Indiana hold off for the season while George recovers from a serious leg injury suffered while participating in a scrimmage for Team USA basketball. Indiana likely does not want to acquire any large contracts right now. They have been linked to MarShon Brooks and Gary Forbes, but a deal with the Boston Celtics could be the better option.
According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics want to clear cap space. They are intending on making a big run during free agency in 2015 to help build around Rajon Rondo who they hope will be signing a contract extension next summer. The team is currently looking for deals that will help them bring in at least one more first-round draft pick and the Pacers might be willing to help out. According to Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors, Jeff Green could be the intended target for the Pacers to help replace George.
The Celtics already have plenty of draft picks thanks to other offseason trades this year, but they are always looking for more. However, sending Boston a first-round pick for Green might not be enough to excite them and the Pacers do not have much else they can offer at this point. Indiana has constraints right now with luxury tax making any move in general difficult. Green would be an excellent option if the deal can get done. He averaged 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds last season while shooting 41.2 percent from the field.
The Pacers have also been linked to the New York Knicks for a deal. Fansided.com suggested the team could look at one of the million shooting guards on the team's roster as Phil Jackson continues to search for a deal. Iman Shumpert and JR Smith would be nice options and have short-term deals. Amar'e Stoudemire is not ideal, but he does have an expiring contract so there is little commitment towards him.
Indiana will likely just find a one-year rental to help fill the George void. Of course team president Larry Bird could opt to try and sell the farm and trade players like Roy Hibbert in exchange for someone like Eric Bledsoe, but that would be extreme and a drastic move.
