Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder offseason report card – Grading every Sam Presti move

By Lawrence George

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 9: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart YoungNBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 9: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart YoungNBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder forward Paul George
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MARCH 15: Oklahoma City Thunder player Paul George volunteers with Thunder players, coaches and staff on March 15, 2018 at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Food Bank is providing enough food to feed more than 126,000 hungry Oklahomans every week. This years Thunder Day of Service will help the Food Bank fulfill its mission of Fighting HungerFeeding Hope.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Paul George – Four years, $136.9 million

Deal Structure:

2018-19 – $30,560,700
2019-20 – $33,005,556
2020-21 – $35,450,412
2021-22 –$37,895,268 (Player Option)

With the Los Angeles Lakers expected to sign PG13 for much of the 2017-18 season, he shocked pundits by re-signing with Oklahoma City on a four-year, $136.9 million dollar deal. If George re-signing wasn’t shocking enough, PG’s contract length floored ESPN writers Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelborne.

Its widely known that Windhorst and Shelborne are two of the biggest Lebron James fans in the business thus their reactions are priceless. Just to add clarity, PG’s contract does make sense:

Perhaps the most underrated reaction was from former Lakers Head coach Byron Scott (far right). The three-time NBA Champion was feeling himself a month prior, expecting George to don the blue and gold. As you see above, he was forced to eat humble pie and said very little when the news broke.

This was a massive win for Oklahoma City given the heartache Thunder fans experienced when Kevin Durant left. If PG works on his consistency and becomes the player many of us envision, the Oklahoma City can make a deep run. Having more touches and understanding his role as the definitive secondary option alongside Russ will improve his play.

With Laker fans left red in the face, Thunder fans should join George to give Sam Presti a big hug.

Grade: A+

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