Cleveland Cavaliers: Was a Paul George trade close to being completed?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a drama-filled offseason that has fallen short of expectations. The latest development should not be much of a surprise.

Earlier this offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers had their opportunities to acquire some of the top players in the NBA. Unfortunately, no big name or even solid player was added.

There were discussions focusing on the Cavaliers and their pursuit of guard/forward Jimmy Butler. However, he was ultimately dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night. The other big name that drew interest was forward Paul George.

George was playing for the Indiana Pacers and would have fit in well in Cleveland. No trade between the two teams were made, so one has to wonder, was it just talk? Or was the possibility of George becoming a Cavalier really close?

Today, the official word was given and yes, it was very close. ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowksi broke down the details:

Those details really describes Cleveland’s offseason thus far, in addition to how both the team and their fans have felt after two of the last three NBA Finals! Cleveland has been so close, yet so far away.

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A different decision here or there in terms of personnel could have changed the Cavaliers’ history.

Instead of dealing George to Cleveland, the Pacers opted for a return of guard Victor Oladipo and forward Domantas Sabonis.

Multiple pieces were rumored in George trade talks, but more than likely Cleveland would have ended up with a “Big Four”; Those four being George, forward LeBron James, power forward/center Kevin Love, and point guard Kyrie Irving.

Oh, what could have been.

Had Cleveland still employed David Griffin as their general manager (but more than likely their president of basketball operations), it is almost guaranteed we would be discussing a different story right now.

Knowing how Griffin acquired talent, the trade package he would have given up probably would not have been close to what was rumored. Yet, we will never know.

Instead of George, Cleveland has done the following this offseason: Re-signed guard/forward Kyle Korver, signed power forward Jeff Green, and signed point guard Jose Calderon. Had the Cavaliers completed the deal for George, only one of those moves would have probably been made.

Next: 5 reasons LBJ will stay with the Cavs

This George news is just the latest setback this offseason. Hopefully moving forward, things turn around for Cleveland and the uncertainty at the top clears and better moves are made.