Paul George Says It Was 'Frustrating' Being out of Loop Ahead of Trade Deadline

Paul George wasn't moved Thursday as the NBA's trade deadline came and went at 3 p.m. ET, but he told reporters after the storm passed that he would have preferred a bit more transparency from the front office. 

Speaking to assembled media at Pacers practice, George said he was "on the ropes" and that it was "frustrating" waiting to hear about his future, as the Indianapolis Star's Clark Wade documented: 

George was long considered a trade target of the Boston Celtics, and The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that Danny Ainge and the C's front office failed to meet Indiana's asking price. 

A handful of other teams also expressed interest in George. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Denver Nuggets pitched the Pacers a "monster" offer that was turned down.

Stein later reported the Atlanta Hawks "made aggressive draft pick-centric trade offers" for George as well as Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler. 

But as it turns out, the Pacers weren't intent on dealing George even after Stein reported ownership "felt compelled" to listen to offers. 

Looking ahead, the Pacers will have to regroup and decide what's in their best interest.

While the team could stay the course and hope it improves enough that George decides to sign a lucrative long-term extension to stay in Indiana, it appears the four-time All-Star could have his sights set on a bigger market. 

According to USA Today's Sam Amick, George "is hell-bent on heading" for the Los Angeles Lakers, and that "message has been sent throughout NBA."

If George does prove reluctant to ink a long-term deal to stay in Indiana, the Pacers could be in a tough position. 

Not only would they be looking at losing their franchise cornerstone, but they may have a tough time dealing him to any team that isn't the Lakers because he's reportedly made it clear he wants to suit up in Purple and Gold.