Paul George Celtics, Pacers Trade Talks Reportedly Stall Amid NBA Draft

The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers were engaged in trade talks centered around Paul George during the early stages of Thursday night's NBA draft, but a deal is starting to look unlikely. 

According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, discussions between the two sides "stalled" after he reported they were "in serious talks." 

And even after "significant" momentum was gained, Wojnarowski relayed word that the Celtics and Pacers were still "apart" on proposed terms. 

George's name has circulated the rumor mill at a rapid rate over the past few days, and for good reason. 

On June 18, Wojnarowski first reported George had informed the Pacers he planned to make the 2017-18 season his last with the franchise before leaving as a free agent next summer. 

That news immediately put pressure on the Pacers to explore trades for George and extract value before he hits the open market, and they apparently fielded offers from a slew of teams, including the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers—whom Wojnarowski pegged as George's "preferred destination." 

However, the Lakers couldn't come up with a package that appeased the Pacers before the draft, according to the Indianapolis Star's Nate Taylor, which opened the door for the Celtics to wiggle their way into negotiations. 

But now that talks have stalled, the Pacers figure to be patient. 

Citing a source on Wednesday, Taylor reported Indiana could take "offers throughout the summer, and potentially into training camp, to complete a deal."