When Paul George was traded to Oklahoma City two weeks ago it was a shocker of a deal that paired up the four-time All-Star with 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook. But if the Pacers had had their way, an even bigger stunner might have been pulled off.
In his latest podcast, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski sat down with George to discuss his move to OKC, among other topics. It was an honest and open conversation between the two, and they spent a good amount of time talking about George’s move away from Indiana.
In one line of questioning, Woj actually dropped a pretty big bombshell – in customary fashion – and revealed that the Pacers dangled George to Golden State in trade talks. The asking price was hefty though; much heftier than the Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis package the Pacers wound up receiving.
“There were a lot of trade discussions, I think probably almost every team in the league checked in with Indiana about you in that window when you were available,” Woj said to George. “One offer that I was told was made was Indiana offered you to Golden State for Klay Thompson, Golden State said no, and talks didn’t go anywhere.”
Wojnarowski went on to ask George if he’d known about the talks with the Warriors and what he thought the league’s reaction would have been to the proposed deal.
“Yeah I think that would have been a Chris Paul to LA [Lakers] situation, when they denied that trade,” George said while laughing. “Yeah, I was aware of it, you know, I would’ve looked forward to it. Of just being, again, in a good situation and a chance to compete for a championship, but you know, it didn’t happen. It’s still fun to team up with a special talent and have a chance to compete against that team.”
It’s understandable why the Pacers asked for Thompson, and even more understandable why the Warriors said no. They seriously considered swapping the sharpshooter for Kevin Love several offseason ago, but decided not to and have been rewarded with three straight All-Star appearances by Thompson.
Though the debate could be had over which player would make the Warriors a better team, Thompson has an extra year of team control remaining on his deal and at a slightly cheaper price per season. In addition, having to go through another offseason and regular season of dealing with chemistry changes, however smooth they may have been, would have been a burden.
To Bob Myers or whichever Warriors front office member picked up the phone when Indiana called, good on you. You probably made the right decision. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
