One team could lure Paul George away from Clippers this summer

The LA Clippers took a major step toward keeping their championship window open when it was announced they would officially re-sign Kawhi Leonard last week. Keeping the team's best player and one of the all-time great playoff performers around long-term was the most important part of extending the Clippers' current run of contention.

The next step, of course, will be to get Paul George and James Harden back in town as well, as they are both operating on expiring contracts. As NBA insider Marc Stein wrote, the growing feeling around the league is that those two are increasingly likely to re-sign with the Clippers.

But there is still a somewhat smaller chance that one or both of them could end up elsewhere to start the 2024-25 season. According to Stein, the Indiana Pacers are "believed to be interested in pursuing" George.

The Indiana Pacers are likely to make a run at Paul George

This is far from surprising, considering the Pacers' current situation. After trading for Pascal Siakam, they are stacking talent on their roster and look to be among the top teams in the Eastern Conference going forward. Tyrese Haliburton's incredible talent will undoubtedly make Indiana a more attractive name for free agents as well.

But perhaps the biggest reason this news will raise eyebrows is Paul George's previous tenure with Indiana. He played for the organization from 2010 until 2017, and is one of the most iconic former Pacers players of this century.

In all likelihood, George will end up back with the Clippers. But in the off chance he lands elsewhere, Indiana will be one of the most notable teams to watch for.