PAUL GEORGE, Indiana swingman

George had dinner with Pacers ownership last weekend, and depending on which version you believe, they either talked about the food or the state of the Pacers. George still would like to stay, in part because Indiana can pay him the most in the summer of 2018. But Larry Bird also is searching for deals that will keep his star satisfied, though it remains to be seen how much a reported trade for Jahlil Okafor keeps anyone happy.

Compatibility factor — Even a better fit than Jimmy Butler, because George is a better shooter.

Chance this actually happens — Not so much. Roughly around the time Magic Johnson took command of the Lakers, stories about George's availability multiplied. Conspiracy theories abounded. There's an excellent chance Johnson has targeted George as his first big free agent target, especially since George grew up idolizing the Lakers. If he has to take less to play somewhere else, what do you think he picks – the Celtics or his boyhood team?