Indiana Pacers star forward Paul George faces a key decision this Sunday as he's eligible to restructure his contract on Sept. 25.
George has two simple options: he can extend his contract with the Pacers and become the longtime franchise star or wait until 2018 to make that decision.
Why he should sign an extension:
Team president Larry Bird has done everything in his power to make Indiana a winning team. Whether it was through the draft or his hiring of Nate McMillan to replace Frank Vogel, Bird has not pulled any punches with the media and has consistently demanded the best out of his front office and on-court talent.
Bird was aggressive this summer, acquiring All-Star-caliber guard Jeff Teague and re-enforcing the defense with the signing of Thaddeus Young and veteran center Al Jefferson.
The team has always maintained faith in George, despite his playoff struggles and the horrific leg injury he sustained in the summer of 2014 playing for Team USA.
Why he should wait 'til 2018:
The NBA salary cap just keeps on rising every year and he's bound to make a lot more money in two years' time if he can keep his stock high.
The Pacers would only be capable of giving him the max amount possible this year and if the cap was to be raised, he'd surely be making less than the max in years to follow.
George would make $20.6 million in 2018-19, which could be more than $25 million if he were to wait until next summer.
What awaits George this year and forward:
Bird was pretty clear in his intentions of making this team a high-octane scoring team to be able to contend with the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Teague's addition gives Indiana a very aggressive guard that loves to drive to the basket and shot the three at a 40 percent rate last season.
Young and Jefferson will anchor the defense while giving Myles Turner room to grow into his role.
George is undoubtedly the centerpiece in which the offense will run through and will be given the ultimate green light under McMillan.
“I’ve been molded all the way up to this point with having great veterans and great guys around me,” George told Sai Mohan of HoopsHabit before Team USA left for Rio. “Now, it’s my solo opportunity of really being the leader and really being the locker room voice. I’m really looking forward to it; this is my chance and I’m going to make the heck out of it. Like I always say, it’s on me now.”
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