The NBA trade deadline passed Thursday with several big names mentioned in potential deals -- notably All-Stars Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Carmelo Anthony -- staying put.
One source close to the process told ESPN's Marc Stein that Indiana ownership, in the wake of George's recent comments to ESPN Radio about wanting to play on a team that contends for championships, felt compelled to hear out interested teams this week to see what suitors were prepared to offer for the 26-year-old.
But the source said Pacers president Larry Bird -- who has made no secret of his desire to convince George to stay for the long term -- was determined to sway away all interest Thursday, hearing nothing from any team that moved him to seriously consider parting with George.