Paul George to Cleveland? Let the Talks Begin...Again!

Today FS1 NBA insider Chris Broussard appeared on Colin Cowherd’s show “The Herd” to talk about what the Thunder could do with Paul George.

“I’d give it until the first week of January and if it doesn’t get better I’m looking to move Paul George… Cleveland would be right there at the top of potential landing spots right along with the Lakers.” — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/7bhOnjDioa

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 12, 2017

It seems like just yesterday we were constantly updating our Twitter by the second to see if the Cavs acquired Paul George. Well, those days may return faster than we thought.

It is no secret how bad the Thunder have been thus far. They are currently 12-14 and sit in the 9th seed out west. Some may say it is too early and they need to give Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook and George time to figure it out. That is true; it takes time for teams to get used to each other and figure each other out. Cavs fans have seen it happen with LeBron, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving and you may see it again once Isaiah Thomas comes back.

The problem is the Thunder don’t have time. Trading for George was a risk with his player option at the end of this year and everyone knew from the beginning, if they did anything short of winning a title, he probably was going to bounce at the end of the year.

Broussard gives it to the first week of January to see if things turn around. It is hard to believe everything will be solved over the next few weeks to convince Oklahoma City’s front office that it’s worth the risk to lose George for nothing after giving up Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to acquire George.

Could the Cavs realistically grab George from OKC?

YES! For the first time in awhile, the Cavs actually have assets that seem attractive to other teams. The Thunder don’t want to go into full rebuild. They just signed Westbrook to a new contract and they also have Melo over the next two years. It is quite possible that they would prefer players who would have an impact right away.

They could want Kevin Love; it is Kevin Love trade rumor season folks, get ready. Love doesn’t demand to have the ball in his hands like Russ, Melo and George. He would give them a much needed threat from three, something the Thunder have not had the luxury of over the past three years.

Iman Shumpert is another possibility. The Cavs could finally unload that God-awful contract of Iman Shumpert. Whether Oklahoma City would want too take on that contract is unknown, but they could be intrigued by Shumpert’s ability to defend and would make the Thunder a deeper team if they were acquire both Love and Shumpert.

Tristain Thompson could be the one that makes it happen. His value soars through the roof come playoff time and pairing him up with Steven Adams would be a deadly combo on the boards. Losing Thompson’s rebounding in the playoffs would be a huge loss, but if it means getting Paul George in return, then I think it is worth it.

Broussard mentions how he wouldn’t throw in the Brooklyn pick to acquire George, which is interesting to think that the Cavs wouldn’t have to include the Brooklyn pick to get George. I am on record at the beginning of the season saying that I wouldn’t trade the pick no matter what! I still stand firm about it today. Unless a young emerging star with multiple years left on his contract is available keep it.

If George is available and you don’t need to include the Brooklyn pick, I think the Cavs should do this in a heartbeat. If all it takes is Kevin Love or Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert as the main parts of the trade, then I believe it is a pretty easy decision to make.

Notice I say or, when talking about Love and Thompson. No way I would part with both of them. You need someone who can rebound. Despite Channing Fry’s outstanding play over the past month or so, you can’t have him as your best big and expect it to not hurt you in the playoffs.

Broussard specifically mentions how George’s contract has a player option at the end of the year meaning he has the option to opt in or opt out at the end of the season. If the Cavs get George, he could want to stay next year if LeBron decides to stay in Cleveland.

I think this move would make the Cavs better than they already are. George is an elite defender who can guard different guys at different positions. George stands at 6’9″ making him a perfect fit for when the Warriors go small.

Here is a possible lineup with George.