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George can opt out of his contract following the 2017-18
season and become a free agent and is targeting the Los Angeles
Lakers as his next club.
The 27-year-old George is from Palmdale, Calif., a desert town
about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.
George reportedly had his agent relay the news now to Indiana
president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard so he was
upfront with his plans as well as giving the franchise the
opportunity to prepare for its future.
The Pacers are already shopping George, according to The
Vertical. While the four-time All-Star would prefer to be
shipped to the Lakers, Indiana reportedly has discussed a
potential deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
One report said the Pacers are requesting a "substantial package
of talent and draft picks" in exchange for George, who averaged
a career-best 23.7 points last season.
A deal with the Lakers might be harder to work out as that
franchise is aiming to build around the young players it has
been collecting in recent seasons. Los Angeles also has the No.
2 overall selection in Thursday's draft.
If George hits free agency, he will be eligible to sign a
four-year, $130 million contract.
If George remained with the Pacers, he could receive a
five-year, $177 million extension.
George has an 18.1 points-per-game average in parts of seven NBA
seasons. He recovered from a serious compound fracture of his
right leg in the summer of 2014 while playing for USA Basketball
to regain his star status.
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