Examining the aftermath of nixed Kyrie Irving, Paul George deal

Indiana Pacers – Winners

Following the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, the 42-40 Indiana Pacers were set to face a significant problem with their star player, Paul George. He shared his desire to be moved after spending his first seven seasons with the team, which put them in a difficult place in terms of contention.

At the time, George was one of the premier players in the league, and trading him would almost certify that the team would go into a rebuild. Their place in the reported three-team trade made sense because if they shipped George away for that No. 4 pick and a pair of role players, they could start a new era around whomever they selected in the draft.

At least, that is what it appeared to look like on paper. Josh Jackson, the projected No. 4 overall pick at the time, was a highly coveted prospect that many teams desired. So much, in fact, that the Phoenix Suns pulled out of the trade because they wanted to select him.

Thankfully for the Indiana Pacers, they did because although Jackson cannot be labeled as a “bust” just yet, he only spent two years with the Phoenix Suns before being traded away. Jackson averaged 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, which would have undoubtedly made Indiana the biggest all-around loser of this trade had they selected him.

However, things arguably worked out for them the best as they instead traded George to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, both of whom have earned All-Star appearances with the team in recent years.