The Paul George trade was not a bad trade for the Pacers. I repeat: This was not a bad trade.
Yes, Indiana clearly could have gotten something significantly better just four months ago. But Kevin Pritchard and Larry Bird didn't read the room right when it came to Paul George’s future intentions. Pritchard said it best when George’s agent said he wouldn't even think about re-signing; "It was a gut punch."
Clearly George's relationship with the front office deteriorated over the past couple of years. It started with the Roy Hibbert trade, then was exasperated when Bird publically called for George to play the 4.