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I didn’t see this one coming. According to ESPN, Paul George just got traded to the OKC Thunder.
Paul George has been traded to OKC, per sources
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 1, 2017
Sources: Indiana has completed trade of Paul George to Oklahoma City for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2017
What OKC gave up for George (no picks) an indication of weakness of offers to Indiana. And how afraid teams are that PG will walk next year
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 1, 2017
This is a big blow to the Celtics plans of “sequencing” to get 2 stars this offseason.
Hard to believe that Ainge couldn’t (or wouldn’t?) beat this offer that the Pacers settled for. Perhaps they got stronger indications from George that he really wants to bolt to the Lakers next summer?
So, what’s the backup plan now? I assume Ainge is still going hard after Gordon Hayward, but is there another trade target he could be eyeing?
UPDATE: Per ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, Ainge offered three first rounders (not ‘18 Brooklyn) and two starters including Jae Crowder for Paul George at last season’s trade deadline. The Herald’s Steve Bulpett reporting a similar deal.