It’s looking more and more likely that Paul George is planning on re-signing with the OKC Thunder this offseason.
Going into this season – with everything Paul George said – who would have guessed that we’d have an indication of what PG’s free agency decision will be? Any sane mind kept quiet on any sure hypothesis, only because this season could have gone in a myriad of directions.
Yet here we are, 47 games in, and it appears George’s mind may already be made up.
Paul George had some pretty interesting things to say to @Rachel__Nichols today about Russell Westbrook's reaction to his All-Star snub: https://t.co/ZGv1LuoRC4 pic.twitter.com/nEIKMQhBIR
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) January 25, 2018
Look – things can change over the next few months. But if this isn’t the strongest indicator of a decision a pending free agent can give than I don’t know what is. Just read a few of the excerpts from his quote again:
“Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming even more easier to make…”
“That’s my guy forever…”
“It’s more apparent what this decision needs to be made when it comes down to it.”
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Those are the statements of a man that knows what he wants in life: a chance to compete for championships and teammates he can trust. George had that in his early years in Indiana, hence why he never considered leaving. It was only after he lost those qualities that the should-be-All-Star requested a trade.
Now that George has had time with the Oklahoma City organization and seen what is has to offer, it only makes sense that he would want to stay. The Thunder can offer him the most money. They have a foundation already in place/under contract. The talent is there; all they need is a couple bench pieces to solidify the rotation. And if George in fact re-signs long-term, then they have the starpower to attract said bench pieces.
Again, we can’t be 100% sure that Paul George is staying because the regular season isn’t even over. But if this team keeps trending upwards, there’s truly not many reasons to be worried about this offseason.
Bless up Thunder Nation – it appears we might be relevant longer than the rest of the world would like.