NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on Paul George, Paul Millsap and More
Multiple outlets have talked about Paul George ad nauseam, and the saga continues with new offers and scenarios on the table for Indiana Pacers president Kevin Pritchard. However, the Houston Rockets could take the sign-and-trade crown with another impactful transaction to couple with the Chris Paul trade.
Blame all the intriguing trade talks on the Golden State Warriors, who assembled a superteam with three sharpshooters and a versatile point forward. The roster consists of three players acquired through the draft, but the other 29 teams can't sit and wait on rookies to develop year after to year. It's about competing now.
During free agency, three teams should be on everyone's radar: the Rockets, Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Houston and Minnesota have already shown the desire to build a contender to compete with the Warriors right now as opposed to years down the line. Will Celtics team president Danny Ainge finally use his assets to make a blockbuster move for George?
Pacers Want Celtics' First-Round Picks, Starter for Paul George
It's another day with another George rumor and trade proposal on the table for Pritchard. According to Boston Herald reporter Mark Murphy, the Pacers want two first-round picks and a starting-caliber asset. Boston's front office doesn't seem enthused to execute on the offer:
Ainge will have a shot at landing Gordon Hayward in free agency, and it makes sense to wait for his intended market target to decide on his destination before accepting a trade.
With Hayward in the mix, Boston becomes a more attractive spot for winning a ring, which should intrigue George enough to re-sign a long-term deal after a trade. Secondly, landing a coveted free-agent target makes it easier to part ways with a starter for George.
If Hayward signs with the Celtics, expect a deal for George to follow almost immediately. The two forwards should be enough to legitimately challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
Could Sign-and-Trade Scenario Send Paul Millsap to Houston Rockets?
Will Rockets general manager Daryl Morey pull off two huge offseason sign-and-trade transactions to put his team in position to contend out west?
On the Basketball Analogy podcast, ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst confirmed the Atlanta Hawks have been engaged in sign-and-trade discussions involving Paul Millsap (h/t RealGM).
On ESPN's Sports Nation program, Windhorst expressed the feeling Millsap could be the alternative to George to complete a Rockets trio via Red Nation Hoops editor Salman Ali:
Millsap would be an ideal fit with Harden and Paul in Houston. Coming off his highest scoring average in a single season (18.1), the 32-year-old forward doesn't need the ball and plays solid defense at the position. Furthermore, he doesn't bring a huge personality that ruffles feathers on a roster with two shining stars.
The Rockets could potentially erase Ryan Anderson's approximate $61 million over the next three years off the books in the offer, per Spotrac. The Hawks would risk losing Millsap with nothing in return if they allow other teams to sway him on the free-agent market.
Ricky Rubio Staying in Minnesota?
The Timberwolves have certainly taken a new direction for the upcoming season, which suggests a push for immediate progress in the Western Conference standings. Instead of waiting for guards Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn to develop, Thibodeau plucked Jimmy Butler out of Chicago.
On paper, Ricky Rubio's pass-first tendencies seem ideal when sharing the court with Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, who can all score at will. Someone has to set up the offense and sacrifice their point totals.
Nonetheless, the Timberwolves will likely go after an upgrade on the free-agent market. Point guards such as Kyle Lowry and Jrue Holiday will be available. Butler has been actively recruiting Lowry ahead of time, per Mitch Lawrence on Sirius XM via Slam writer Ryne Nelson.
Nonetheless, Minnesota owner Glen Taylor will probably have a say in whether Rubio stays or goes, per Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News:
If the Timberwolves acquire Lowry, Rubio would undoubtedly move to the bench, which would increase inquiries about his availability via trade. With assets and an attractive young roster, Minnesota goes into free agency with several optional plans for the point guard spot.
