They'll need a 3rd team to get it done; Chicago wants pick(s). And although a George for Love swap works; Indiana will probably attempt to flip Love for pick(s).
What team is ready start doling out picks for Kevin Love? Whatever team it is, they're not a good organization.
I have no idea, but that'd be idea, IMO. If the Indiana GM is doing is due dilligence, he's done or his doing his work testing the free-agent market for Love or getting an idea of what that is if he plans to flip him if he potentially acquires him. Unless they keep Love, but I'd don't think they would; Indiana is going into full-tank mode once George leaves...
It's hard to gauge what he is actually worth around the league. He's already shown that as a number 1 option his teams are lottery teams and it's concerning when he's a 3rd option and his team is constantly trying to pawn him off. Along with his back and knee injuries, it's hard to see him as anything but a #2 option in the right situation. Does that equate to anything more than the Lakers are willing to give up right now? I really don't know.
Remember reading Philly expressed interest in being third team for Cavs/PG deal. Maybe they'll work together for Butler too.
From McMenamin's tweets, it seems as if the talks are centered about Butler right now for Cleveland and that makes more sense; if PG is a "rental" for any team he goes to (besides us), then why wouldn't you go after Butler instead who's at least locked in for the next 2-3 years (Player Option on his last Year)... I think the Cavs urgency to improve the team stems from 2 things: A.) The rumors that Lebron wants to finish his career in Los Angeles are real B.) An elite 2-way wing that can take the pressure off of Lebron guarding Kevin Durant.
Yeah I mean I just don't see the appeal to a team like Indiana for Love. Chicago I understand a little more, but they'd need other assets as well. For Indiana, they're not going to build around Love and he costs more than 20 million a year. Why bother with that? For Chicago, they're likely to want to remain at least in the conversation, that's always been their MO. But a Love/Butler swap is just not good enough for Chicago I would think. Portland and their three 1st round picks makes some sense for Love, but they've got a massive payroll so they'd have to find homes for some guys like Harkless, Turner, and Crabbe. Are they willing to give up a bunch of picks for Love to match with Lillard and McCollum so they can be a... 6th seed? It all seems very convoluted. If I'm the Pacers, I don't want to help Paul George get to LA, but at the same time I'm not eager to see Paul George in a Cavaliers jersey beating us up four times a year (if he stays). Tough call, but in the end they should call Pelinka and ask for the #28 pick and a protected future 1st. That'd be a hell of a deal for them. Then we force them to settle for Clarkson/#28.
Not to mention, getting Butler who is locked up is a way better look than George for when LeBron does leave. If/when LeBron falls short again against the Warriors, the Cavs can at least feel good knowing they'll be competitive with Kyrie/Butler around for a year or two.
Why would the Bulls help the Cavs? The Cavs really don't have anything to offer. The media really wants them to be a true rival to the Warriors but I don't see how it can realistically happen
"George's camp is telling other teams George is 100% a rental no matter what team." Oh hell yeah!! PG IS a Big Baller and has taken the bull by the horns here. That sucker is going to be a Laker.
