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    Paul George Trade for Kyrie Irving Reportedly Repeatedly Rejected by Cavaliers

    Alec Nathan@@AlecBNathanX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJuly 26, 2017

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 08: Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 132-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
    Joe Robbins/Getty Images

    The Indiana Pacers reportedly pursued Kyrie Irving in a potential trade for Paul George before they shipped George to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

    On Monday's episode of The Lowe Post, ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst disclosed the Pacers unsuccessfully attempted to nab Irving in advance of the NBA draft as buzz started to build that George was being shopped.

    "I know that around the draft and in the Paul George talks, the Cavs were not willing to make Kyrie Irving available for Paul George," Windhorst said.

    "The Pacers offered Paul George for Kyrie Irving," ESPN.com's Zach Lowe added. "That's a thing that happened, according to people that we've talked to."

    Windhorst also noted it happened "multiple times."

    A one-for-one swap didn't pique the Cavaliers' interest, but they did shop Kevin Love in a three-team scenario that would have landed George alongside LeBron James.

    Paul George Trade for Kyrie Irving Reportedly Repeatedly Rejected by Cavaliers
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    According to a report by Windhorst, Ramona Shelburne and Dave McMenamin, the Cavaliers, Pacers and Denver Nuggets discussed a trade that would have sent Love to Denver, George to Cleveland and assets including Gary Harris and the draft's 13th pick to Indiana.

    The reporters also noted general manager Kevin Pritchard reneged when "the Cavs were just starting to celebrate."

    Pritchard and the Pacers moved on and flipped George to the Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

    Cleveland, meanwhile, has been left to ponder a future without Irving. Windhorst broke the news that the four-time All-Star requested a trade July 7 as he seeks to break free from a partnership with James.

    And according to ESPN.com's Chris Haynes, Irving informed the Cavaliers he'd prefer to be dealt to the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves.

    On Tuesday, the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reported the Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns are "particularly strong candidates" to facilitate a trade for Irving since they have the kind of young, blue-chip talents the Cavaliers are seeking.