C’s await word on George, Hayward

If the Celtics are indeed destined to trade for Pacers forward Paul George, they probably are just at the beginning of a long process in their dealings with Indiana general manager Kevin Pritchard.

A league source said today the Celtics are waiting to hear back from Pritchard, who as of draft night was asking for next year’s Nets and Lakers first-round picks that are in the C’s possession. Pritchard also wants starting-caliber players included in the deal.

The Celtics, though, do not have a good read on whether George would be open to staying with them after next season. The Pacers star previously made it clear he would prefer to play with his hometown Lakers.

Celtics president Danny Ainge is understandably unwilling to part with his best assets for a socalled rental player, who could leave after one season.

The source added that Houston, which entered the George fray after trading for Chris Paul, has received a similarly steep demand from Pritchard.

“Just way too much — both picks plus players. It’s like (Jimmy) Butler all over again,” the source said, referring to the attempts by the Celtics to trade for the former Bulls forward last year.

Pritchard has made it known he is not in a rush, a ploy that actually works in favor of the Celtics, who for salary-cap purposes want to sign a major free agent first, be it Gordon Hayward of the Jazz or Blake Griffin of the Clippers. The Utah forward officially became available yesterday when he declined the player-option final year of his contract, according to an Associated Press report.

The C’s are trying to schedule a free agency visit for Hayward for Sunday or Tuesday. He reportedly will meet with the Heat in Miami tomorrow and expects to talk with the Jazz in Salt Lake City Monday.

As for the Indiana GM, he recently told an Indianapolis reporter he could picture George in a Pacers uniform for the start of training camp.