The Indiana Pacers are trying to figure out the best way to move on from Paul George for the year without eating into their limited salary cap space. The team will either be forced to sign veteran free agents for cheap or make a blockbuster trade of one of their cornerstone players in order to get some help. George led the team last year in several statistical categories, so he leaves a big hole. The Pacers are looking at all options before making a move.
According to ESPN.com, the Pacers are trying to pursue Shawn Marion with a contract while he gets attention from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. The small forward had a face-to-face meeting with Larry Bird who is hopeful the former All-Star can help fill the void after George's season-ending leg injury. For Marion, the decision will likely come down to money. The Cavaliers can only offer him a minimum salary of $1.4 million while the Pacers will be granted a $5.3 million disabled player exception and can use that on Marion.
Marion, of course, wants to sign with a championship-contending team. That might not be the Pacers at the point. With George out and Stephenson signing elsewhere, Indiana lost their two biggest stars on the court, leaving them with some big gaps. The Cavaliers on the other hand just finalized a trade for Kevin Love to match their signing of LeBron James. That looks a little more enticing for a veteran despite the lower salary.
The attention to Marion comes after reports surfaced that the Pacers were shopping Roy Hibbert to the highest bidder. The big man has been on thin ice ever since his disappearance in the playoffs last season and the Pacers think they might be able to get something good in return. According to several NBA sources, the Pacers have contacted the Detroit Pistons about a potential player swap with Greg Monroe. The Denver Post is reporting the Nuggets have also reached out about a trade for JaVale McGee. Denver would have to add something to sweeten the deal since there is a salary difference.
The Pacers have options. The free agent market is incredibly thin. The only players left are ones interested in winning a championship in the final years of their career and the Pacers might no longer offer that ability.
