NBA Trade Rumors: 5 most likely landing spots for Paul George

Washington Wizards

Every year it seems the Washington Wizards are mentioned as sleepers to steal the Eastern Conference crown. And then, by season’s end, we’re all brought back to reality where the Cleveland Cavaliers reign supreme.

While that may be true, the addition of George would certainly give them a significant boost heading into 2017. It appears they agree with that assertion, because they’ve also entered the conversation to acquire the Pacers’ superstar forward.

Here’s what NBA.com’s David Aldridge had to say about Washington joining the mix:

"“Washington, to a lesser degree, could fit the bill, too, and the Wizards are looking for a way to make a George deal happen. They don’t have a player of [Kevin] Love’s caliber to put in a deal; they’re not moving Bradley Beal after the 23-year-old just had his best NBA season. Playing alongside Washington’s backcourt of Beal and John Wall, after all, would be the selling point for George in D.C.”"

Aldridge also posited on the possibility of pulling off a sign-and-trade with Otto Porter Jr. However, in doing so, he essentially proved that it’s very unlikely that would ever come to fruition. If the Wizards are really interested in acquiring George, it would likely mean having to part with significant pieces and draft assets to do so.

In the end, though, it’s a more intriguing situation for PG-13 to land in. He’d be able to play with one of the better backcourts in the NBA. Wall is more than capable of creating open looks for George, who wouldn’t be forced to carry the team like he was in Indiana.

Despite that, don’t get your hopes too high Wizards fans. At this point, D.C. is little more than a fallback plan compared to the top three potential landing spots for George.