Paul George’s chances of re-signing in OKC gaining more traction
By Tony Heim
The most recent news involving the Los Angeles Lakers makes it more and more likely that Paul George is re-signing with the OKC Thunder.
How about this for a Woj/Ramona bomb? If this report is true (which why wouldn’t it be), the OKC Thunder are the clear favorites to re-sign Paul George this offseason.
The signs have been piling up the past couple of weeks. First there was George’s interview with Rachel Nichols. Then we had the leaked report from Royce Young that the Clippers offered Blake Griffin for PG. And now the Los Angeles Lakers are re-shifting their free agency focus to 2019.
Like I said in the original “Paul George is likely staying in Oklahoma City” piece (link above), nothing is guaranteed. It’s very possible that LeBron James contacts PG and convinces him to team up somewhere in the Eastern Conference. We simply can’t rule out the Power of LeBron. We also can’t rule out the power of Russell Westbrook, Steven Adams and Sam Presti.
The Thunder provide multiple things no other team can offer this offseason:
- An organization George already trusts. Don’t forget how bold Presti’s decision was to acquire the five-time All-Star this offseason. That resonates with players, especially one who’s #1 goal is to win a championship.
- A superstar he enjoys playing with. Russell Westbrook’s persona/style of play compliments Paul George perfectly. Russ provides the fire and attitude while George is the cool and calm superstar. Russ’ inside game allows George to roam the perimeter. The two still have chemistry issues to work out, but there improvement over the course of the season is reason to believe they’ve only scratches the surface.
- Continuity. If George leaves it would mean playing for his third team in three seasons. He likes playing in Oklahoma City, he enjoys the players on the roster. Why leave that and risk losing out on the human aspect of this job?
Next: Rounding up every Thunder trade rumor
The more news that comes out the more my belief in Paul George staying is confirmed. The most recent report is no different. Don’t go out and get a “Paul George is re-signing” tattoo, but don’t believe Lakers fans on Twitter claiming he’s leaving Oklahoma City. Because right now, there is no second suitor.