Paul George Trade Rumors: Rockets Remain Interested in Pacers Star

The Houston Rockets "remain in trade pursuit of Indiana's Paul George," according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com.

George, 27, has been on the trade market since reportedly telling the Indiana Pacers he wouldn't re-sign with the team next summer when he becomes a free agent and would prefer to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

That spawned a number of trade rumors, with reports linking him to a handful of NBA teams, most notably the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers.

But trading for George comes with risk, as there is no guarantee he'll re-sign with the team that lands him. Thus, suitors have to weigh how much they are willing to give up for a potential one-year rental, as the Pacers have little leverage but are still unlikely to give up their star for pennies on the dollar.

It's unclear exactly what the Rockets might be able to offer for George, though Zach Lowe said earlier this week on his podcast, the Lowe Post, that the Rockets are dangling a package that includes Eric Gordon and two first-round picks (h/t Ethan Rothstein of The Dream Shake).

While that would be a lot to offer for a potential rental, the Rockets are likely banking on George thriving in Mike D'Antoni's offense next to James Harden. Certainly, the team would be nearly unstoppable on the offensive end if it had a go-to scorer to pair with Harden, and it would immediately become the most dangerous threat to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.

If George has a career year in Houston and the Rockets make a deep postseason run, George could be swayed to spurn the Lakers and sign a long-term deal in Houston. It's a gamble—and given George's many suitors, a trade with Houston remains a long shot—but one that could pay off handsomely for the Rockets.