Written by Marc J. Spears at ESPN.com
Washington Wizards All-Star guard John Wall told ESPN’s The Undefeated that he is recruiting Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George in hopes that George will push for a trade to the nation’s capital.
George has no intention of staying with the Pacers beyond the expiration of his current contract in June 2018. The Los Angeles-area native is intrigued by the possibility of joining the Lakers, sources previously told The Undefeated. The four-time All-Star also is being pursued by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade, sources previously told ESPN.
However, with Wall leading the recruiting charge, he is hoping his buddy ends up in Washington.
“I am talking to some guys — Paul. I know his ultimate goal of where he wants to be. I’m trying to see if we can make something happen,” Wall told The Undefeated before the NBA awards on Monday night.
Wall and the Wizards were eliminated in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics last season. The Wizards currently have two elite players in Wall and sharpshooter Bradley Beal, and the former believes George is the missing piece to their starting lineup.
Wall also believes George can help Washington get over the hump to be a title contender and could counter Cavaliers All-Star forward LeBron James.
The Wizards have had trade conversations with the Pacers, a source told The Undefeated. The source added that the Pacers have been patient and that no deal with the Wizards is close at the moment.
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