The Indiana Pacers need help after the Paul George injury and with names in free agency down to the bottom of the barrel, a Roy Hibbert trade could be an option after the team shopped him this summer and the Portland Trail Blazers could be interested in the move, as Indy may target players like Thomas Robinson or Wesley Matthews to help replace George this season over free agents like MarShon Brooks and Gary Forbes.
The Pacers are in a very tough situation with the Paul George injury and they have been looking for replacements on the free agent market, but there is not much there. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Pacers have targeted Shawn Marion as an option to help replace the production of George, but he is moving closer to a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. ESPN.com writes that the team will apply for a disability exception and some options in free agency include Ramon Sessions, Chris Singleton, MarShon Brooks and Gary Forbes.
According to the Sporting News, the Pacers were shopping Hibbert earlier this offseason, but plans may have changed now that George is out. Hibbert did not look like the player the team signed to an extension with his performance in the playoffs, as he was missing at times and put up some zero stat lines that were very ugly. The team likely would only trade Hibbert if they got a deal good enough and right now the market may not have that option for them.
The team wants Hibbert to be a great player and they haven't given up on him yet and now with George and his injury, it could be the one thing that pulls Indiana together. The team allowed Lance Stephenson to sign with the Hornets and now that hurts a bit with George out, but the team felt it was the best move to make. The Blazers had interest a few years ago in Hibbert and he could be a fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge and that could make the team unstoppable in the west and able to compete with the Clippers, as they have Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Thomas Robinson or Wesley Matthews could be options since the Pacers need some type of offense to make up for the loss of George, but the Blazers may not want to part with those names. The pickings are slim right now in free agency and that makes it tough for the Pacers as they try and replace George. The team was expected to contend for the east this season, but with the Cavs getting Kevin Love and the Bulls getting Pau Gasol, they may not even be top two in their own division.
The Pacers will not be able to replace George fully, as he is a budding superstar and a strong defender and that is one thing that hurts, as George was injured making a hustle play on defense. George is an All-Star player and someone the franchise can build around and while he is out for the year, all reports so far have been positive following surgery and he is expected to make a full recovery. George had just signed a five year extension so he is covered money wise, but there is always that chance that he may not ever get back to 100 percent full strength following the injury.
