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Charlotte Hornets Haven’t Yet Gotten Involved With Paul George

By Jerry Stephens

Nov 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Pacers 122-100. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Pacers 122-100. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the trade deadline approaches, a number of teams have made inquiries for players but the Charlotte Hornets have not yet gotten involved with Paul George.

According to AmicoHoops, “Sources: Magic plans to call Larry about Paul George. Michael not yet involved. Basketball’s holy trinity marches on at NBA trade deadline.” Michael, referring to Charlotte Hornets‘ owner Michael Jordan, has not yet involved the team with the Indiana Pacers‘ forward. As for Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers‘ VP of Player Operations, he has gotten his organization involved.

This report follows Adrian Wojnarowski’s claim that the Indiana Pacers are assessing the trade market for their star player. While many experts believe that Larry Bird and the Pacers won’t deal George, the Lakers are probably the closest team to actually getting him. While the Hornets haven’t been heavily linked, they are likely a team looking to buy and acquire a star forward before the trade deadline.

Although, it would have to be at the right price. Indiana probably wants a large return [young players and pick(s)] in exchange for Paul. While Charlotte has both of those, they just haven’t been heavily linked to a trade/deal for George. It doesn’t mean that it can’t happen but at this point, it is unlikely.

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The 26-year old is averaging 22.3 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game so far this season. In 50 games this year, George is shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.3% from three in 35.7 minutes per game. Two years removed from a nasty lower leg injury, Paul has asserted himself back to a top small forward in the league but his numbers are down across the board from last season.

Previously, the Hornets have been linked to Lou Williams and Bojan Bogdanovic. While both of them are bench/role players, George would be a superstar type player for Charlotte if they were able to acquire him. The 6’9 forward could slide into Steve Clifford’s starting lineup at either the three or small ball four position. MJ and the Hornets have been searching for a star for years and now that Kemba Walker has emerged as an all-star, they are looking for another one to pair with him.

Nicolas Batum hasn’t cut it as the second option so it wouldn’t be surprising for Charlotte to want a better secondary scorer. PG13 is on the wish list for a number of teams around the league but he has reiterated his desire to stay in Indiana for the time being. Although, there is a report that has him wanting to move to LA in 2018 when Paul is a free agent.

*Note*

David Aldridge has reported that the Pacers aren’t seriously shopping their all-star.

Next: Best Case Trade Deadline Scenario

It will be interesting to see what happens with George as the February 23rd trade deadline is almost here. The Charlotte Hornets could use him but right now, it looks unlikely that a deal will get completed. But things can change quickly and the “yet” in the report makes it seem as if Michael will call about PG13 sometime before the deadline.

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