Paul George Trade Rumors: Celtics, Pacers Reportedly Discussed Deal

In the final hours before the NBA trade deadline, Indiana Pacers All-Star Paul George has drawn the attention of the Boston Celtics.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Pacers and Celtics had a "preliminary" discussion about George, but the Pacers won't seriously consider a deal "until/unless" Boston includes the first-round pick it can swap with the Brooklyn Nets.

Wojnarowski later added that the Nets pick has come into play, but the Celtics still haven't met the Pacers' asking price to consummate a deal for George. However, around 1 PM ET Wojnarowski reported there was "no significant traction" for a possible George trade to the Celtics.

The Pacers are looking to clear roster spots, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, adding teams believe it's related to Celtics trade talks.

The Celtics are one of the most interesting teams at the deadline this year because of what they have to deal and their place in the Eastern Conference.

Coming out of the All-Star break, Boston is three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. It has the right to swap picks with the Nets, who have the NBA's worst record, in June's draft.

The Pacers are in an uncomfortable situation knowing George can opt out of his contract after next season while trying to compete for a playoff spot this season, despite losing six straight games heading into the All-Star break.

George told Marc Stein on ESPN Radio's Meet the All-Stars (via ESPN.com) last week his goal is to bring an NBA title to Indiana, but he added, "I want to compete for something."

If money is a factor, the Pacers will have the luxury of being able to offer him a max deal that could be worth approximately $209 million over five years this summer.

One reason the Celtics may not be quick to pull the trigger on a deal for George, per ESPN's Chris Haynes, is because the only team outside of the Pacers he would commit to long-term right now is the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Celtics have plenty of assets, especially draft picks, to play with if they want to upgrade their roster before the trade deadline. They must weigh matching an impulse need against the best long-term outlook for the franchise.