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Would Paul George be interested in joining Detroit Pistons?

By Braden Shackelford

Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) points during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) points during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul George has announced he doesn’t intend to stay with the Indiana Pacers long-term. Should the Detroit Pistons try to acquire him? More importantly, would George be interested in staying in Detroit?

The Detroit Pistons are searching for a star, and another one is reportedly available in Paul George. Should the Pistons target George?

Via Adrian Wojnrowski:

"All-Star forward Paul George has informed the Indiana Pacers that he plans to become a free agent in the summer of 2018 and will leave the franchise – preferably for the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told The Vertical.George hasn’t requested a trade before he can opt out of his 2018-19 contract, but did have his agent, Aaron Mintz, tell new Indiana president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard that he wanted to be forthright on his plans and spare the franchise any confusion about his intentions, league sources told The Vertical.In the past 24 hours, Pritchard has become more aggressive in pursuing trades for George, league sources told The Vertical. Pritchard has yet to show an inclination to engage the Lakers, but has discussed deals with several teams – including Cleveland – in which the expectation of teams would be that George is a “one-year rental.” The Cavaliers are devoid of the kind of young players and future picks that Indiana might want in return for George, and George has never mentioned the Cavaliers as an intriguing destination.It is unclear how robust offers to Indiana will ultimately be, given that teams believe he will sign with the Lakers next summer. So far, Indiana is asking for a substantial package of talent and draft picks for George, league sources said. Discussions could extend until Thursday’s NBA draft – or beyond."

I would stay far away from George. A year in Detroit would be really fun for fans, but the Pistons–even with George–have not shot at a title. Detroit would effectively be giving up what limited assets they have for a one-year rental and then left with nothing to show for it.

Next: Taking a look at Detroit's trade arsenal

I really don’t think George’s mind will change either. George and Reggie Jackson are really good friends, but Jackson may not be in Detroit much longer, which would end any slim chances the team would have at retaining him.