San Antonio Spurs trade George Hill to Pacers for Kawhi Leonard

The Indiana Pacers announced Thursday night they had acquired San Antonio Spurs guard George Hill in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, (the 15th overall pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft), Davis Bertans (the 42nd overall pick in the draft) and the rights to Erazem Lorbeck (the Pacers’ second-round pick from the 2005 draft).

Hill, who was born in Indianapolis and played collegiately for IUPUI, played three seasons with the Spurs, averaging 9.9 points per game, 11.3 in the playoffs. He was the Spurs’ first-round draft pick in 2008 (26th overall).

“We are very excited to have him as a part of our team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “He’s got playoff experience (20 games) and we look forward to him being part of our core group going forward.”

The 25-year-old Hill played for Indianapolis Broad Ripple High School, averaging 36.2 points per game. At IUPUI, Hill led the Jaguars to a school-record 26 victories his senior season, averaging 21.5 ppg, 6.8 rebounds per game and 4.3 assists per game.

“It’s tough, but at the same time, things happen for a reason,” said Hill. “My hat is off to San Antonio for the opportunity I had here and I’m really looking forward to coming home to Indiana and helping the Pacers win games.”