In what was a busy offseason for nearly every team around the association, the Oklahoma City Thunder clearly stand out. Most teams improved their roster in one way or another but the Thunder had themselves one of the most fruitful offseasons in recent memory. Already rostering an all-world talent in Russell Westbrook, GM Sam Presti went out and added more superstar talent in Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.
Now in a prime position to do some real damage in the Western Conference come playoff time, the core of Westbrook, George, and Anthony may only stay intact for a limited amount of time. Just earlier today though, the Thunder inked Westbrook to a 5-year extension worth $205M, assuring that their centerpiece stays put for the long-term. Both Westbrook and George were slated to hit the open free agent market next summer but now PG is the only question mark, and a big one at that.
However, George recently said Westbrook’s extension ‘absolutely’ makes his decision easier next summer and he praised the point guard for his loyalty and commitment to OKC. Following from ESPN’s Royce Young:
Paul George says Westbrook’s decision will “absolutely” factor into his. “When that time comes, the decision will be easier to make.” pic.twitter.com/eqUyd37oSy
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) September 30, 2017
A lot has been made of the looming free agency of Paul George. The 4x All-Star even came out himself prior to the OKC trade and made it clear that he plans on signing with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers next summer. Now a member of a bonafide championship contender in OKC, it’s more than plausible that George has had a change of heart and can see himself joining Russ long-term.
George likely didn’t envision himself on a contending team heading into this season but now that that is exactly the case, it should make PG’s decision next summer all the more intriguing.
