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Paul George has no plans to talk to LeBron James this summer

By Quenton S. Albertie

Apr 2, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Don’t bank on Paul George joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason.

According to Nate Taylor from the Indy Star, Paul George said he has no plans to talk to LeBron James this summer, throwing water on the idea that he’d join the Cleveland Cavaliers.

George, whose name was linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers towards the end of the NBA Finals, was being portrayed as the final piece of the puzzle for what looked to be an overwhelmed Cavs team. Because it’s been reported that he’s “hell-bent” on joining the Los Angeles Lakers, and comments from George following their first-round exit in which he admitted frustration with continuously losing to James in the playoffs, the idea that George will leave the Pacers isn’t far-fetched.

The idea that George would team up with James because he couldn’t beat him in the playoffs thus far is.

George, with his length, athleticism, scoring ability, perimeter shooting and passing, would have been a perfect complement for James on the court. However, while the Cleveland Cavaliers could still try to put together a trade package for George headlined by Kevin Love, without a long-term commitment from him a trade for George could backfire.

With that, George’s comment’s likely put an end to speculation that George will be a Cav. James has a prominent voice within the Cavs organization and free agents join their team because they get to play with James. By shrugging off a meeting with James, George certainly isn’t acting like a player who’d want to join the Cavs.

If the Cleveland Cavaliers are still looking for an All-Star quality forward, they could explore trades for Jimmy Butler or Carmelo Anthony. While trading for the latter could allow them to form a Big 4, trading for Butler would give the Cavs a dynamic forward duo with better playmaking abilities and defensive impact than they currently have.

Must Read: 3 trades the Cavs can make for Jimmy Butler

However, it’s also possible that ignoring the blockbuster trade route could be the best option for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While they lost the NBA Finals in five games, their bench was completely outplayed by the Warriors. Fine-tuning their second unit alone could get the Cavs in a seven-game series with the Warriors.

Personally, I’d trade Love because while his mobility allowed him to make a defensive impact on the court that was unexpected, he’s not a player you trust to make a defensive play out in space and against the Warriors, pace-and-space is the name of the game. If they can’t get that type of defensive player at forward, a player who could consistently score in isolation and put pressure on the defense so that the Cavs offense wasn’t a two-man show would suffice.

Love is a player who shouldn’t be seen as lesser than because he’d get traded because he’s a dynamic frontcourt player. At this point though, it’s clear that he’d be a better fit with another team than with the Cavs, who need more athleticism, or at the least, players who can consistently score in isolation.

Related Story: 3 trades the Cavs can make for Carmelo Anthony