It's no secret that the Indiana Pacers have their eyes fixated on keeping All-Star forward Paul George well beyond his current deal that holds a player option worth $20.7 million following next season.

There has been constant chatter that George will seriously entertain the idea of playing elsewhere next summer if the Pacers fail to put together a team that can compete for an NBA title. Despite that, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is reporting that Indiana has yet to truly assess the trade market for the 27-year-old at this point in time.

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The Pacers are still holding out hope that George will be willing to sign an extension or new long-term deal in free agency. Keep in mind, the front office has already declined various offers at the trade deadline back in February this past season that included four first-round picks from the Atlanta Hawks.

That said, the Los Angeles Lakers have remained in the picture in heavy pursuit of George. There have been various reports over the last few months that he is “hell bent” on joining Los Angeles via free agency as early as next summer. The Lakers were also rumored to be interested in moving some of their young core pieces in exchange for George.

All of this could ultimately hinge on the Pacers front office's ability to put together a team that can be a serious threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. If Indiana falls short in that regard once again, the front office may have to face the dim reality that George will be on his way out.