Russell Westbrook’s extension with the Thunder has set the NBA up for a monster 2018 free agency class. Westbrook, Paul George, and DeMarcus Cousins could all be free agents in that summer.
There may be an obstacle to seeing that happen, however. George may follow Westbrook’s lead in signing an extension soon:
Paul George told me here in Rio there have been some initial talks about a contract extension with the Pacers, but nothing extensive.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) August 4, 2016
George signed a five-year deal with Indiana in 2013. Per the CBA, he can have his contract extended after the third year of the deal which just concluded.
George could opt to extend his contract two more years. In doing so, he would forego free agency until he has had ten years of experience in the league. If the terms of the CBA regarding the matter do not change in that time, George would be eligible for the “super-max” contract at that time.
Of course, this comes with the risk of committing to the Pacers long term. If Indiana is unable to build a title contender around him, George would spend the majority of his prime playing on a mediocre team.
Financially speaking, an extension would make sense for Paul George, but it is a risky proposition. My guess is that the two sides will discuss an extension now, but George will wait until next summer to make a decision.
