NBA Rumors 2016: Kevin Durant-Paul George Duo Happening in 2017?
The Golden State Warriors' new superteam have yet to play a single game together in the NBA, but it is already threatening to dissolve next year. The increasing payrolls of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thomspon and Draymond Green could prevent the Warriors from building a dynasty in the Bay Area.
In Indiana, the Pacers are still looking for a team that could bring them to the NBA Finals. They currently have a superstar in Paul George, but they are yet to find equally big names to back him up.
However, a rumored move could put both teams on opposite ends. The Pacers are reportedly willing to invest on any offer involving Kevin Durant—even at the cost of George.
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Durant to Indiana?
George had plenty of suitors in the offseason, including the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. It is not a surprise considering that the star forward came back from a broken leg to carry the Pacers to a brief playoffs stint.
However, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders revealed that Larry Bird would only be willing to deal his franchise piece if they got Kevin Durant in return. By a long shot, it could work.
But exchanging Paul George for Kevin Durant would be a losing scenario for the Pacers, as they would have to include other players and assets in the mix. Durant would not be enough to carry the team to victory, as even his averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and five assists were not enough to win him and Russell a championship in Oklahoma.
The Durant-George Duo
Therefore, if the Pacers truly want to win with Durant, they would have to pair him with Paul George. And that is not possible until next season, when Durant can exercise his player option to part ways with Golden State.
This would only happen if the Warriors cannot make sizeable offers to keep both Durant and Curry, the latter becoming a free agent next season. Granted this would take place, the Pacers have to part ways with Rodney Stuckey, C.J. Miles, Glenn Robinson III and even Jeff Teague at the crucial point guard spot.
But if it works, the Pacers would have a formidable and, possibly, a championship-caliber one-two punch in Durant and George. With George moving down the two-guard spot, making way for Durant at the wing, the duo would provide the size and length that can dominate any player in their positions.
