The Indiana Pacers are deep in negotiations to keep All-Star and budding superstar Paul George with the team hoping to extend a long-term contract extension to the versatile swingman before the start of the regular season.
Yahoo! Sports says that the 23-year old George is in the final year of his contract and would become a restricted free agent next year if the Pacers fail to offer a contract extension. George, a 6 foot 8 inch shooting guard-forward, earned $2.5 million in 2012.
The website adds that the Pacers don't want to run any risk of losing George, who was introduced to the national audience with his stellar play against LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the 2013 Eastern Conference finals. Although the Pacers have refusal rights in contract talks next year, the team is not taking any chances.
According to Yahoo! Sports, George has indicated that he and the team are on the same page when it comes to his contract. The young star has been vocal about his desire to stay with the Pacers, a young team that pushed the eventual two-time champion Heat in a seven-game series. The performance of George during last year's playoffs is seen as a breakthrough for the young stud and indicates his potential to become the new face of the franchise.
The contract extension of George could make former All-Star Danny Granger expendable next season. Granger will make $14 million next year and is coming off a season-long injury. He could be dealt to a contender who will value his skills and expiring contract.
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