The arrival of Paul George has signaled a renewed intrigue around the Thunder organization. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook once again has a superstar partner as Oklahoma City chases an NBA title. The vacancy left by Kevin Durant has been filled temporarily but George teased being a permanent staple for the club.
As Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman writes, George spoke at his introductory presser about the possibility of remaining with the Thunder beyond the 2017/18 campaign if his first season goes smoothly.
“I could come here and love it, as I have been loving it here,” George said. “Both myself and Russell, if we love where we’re at and we feel we can do something special here, I’m open to it.”
George and his new teammate Westbrook could both hit free agency next season. The California native George is expected to pursue joining the Lakers at some point — despite claiming his interest is overstated — and the former UCLA product Westbrook could follow him there. However, George teasing another dynamic duo in Oklahoma City less than two years after Durant left the city for greener pastures may be a cruel tease of what may never occur.
Below are additional notes surrounding the Thunder:
- While it was clear that George was on the trading block, he was surprised to see himself land with the Thunder, ESPN’s Royce Young writes. While team’s such as the Cavaliers, Rockets, Lakers, and others were mentioned as possible destinations, George noted that joining Westbrook made the trade worthwhile.
- In other George news, Young, in a separate piece for ESPN, and Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated, both wrote up compelling features on George’s first day in Oklahoma City.
- After signing a three-year, $30MM with the Thunder, Andre Roberson is happy to be back with the team. While he possibly missed out on more money by signing an offer sheet elsewhere as a restricted free agent, Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman writes that Roberson realizes sacrifice comes with being in a special place.
- The Thunder and Semaj Christon have agreed to move 2014 second round pick’s guarantee date back to the end of training camp, per Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript (via Twitter).
Love how he only mentions Russ. Not the other teammates on the roster or the coach. Him and Russ bouncing to Los Angeles
Or there just isn’t anyone else worth mentioning. No one is excited to play with Roberson or Kanter lol. And Billy Donovan isn’t anything special. I could see them sticking around if Presti can add any sort of supporting cast around them.
Steven Adams is legit
If he does leave OKC it would be to team up with Lebron and Lonzo. Lebron knows if he can get past the Warriors when he joins the Lakers next summer he would have enough firepower to beat the Warriors.
Ball-George-Ingram-Lebron-Zubac
Dream big homie
Didn’t you just say a couple weeks ago LeBron would never play or the Lakers?
Damn Dionis that starting 5 is super scary. Definitely better than the Cavs core that lost in 5 to the Warriors lol
That starting 5 locking up KD, Lebron would beat the Warriors and obliterate anyone who comes out of the East lmao.
Who exactly will be locking up KD? Oh and let’s not forget about who would be guarding Steph. A then 21 year old Ball lol. Dude let’s be real, it takes years for players to develop a real NBA game that will translate in the playoffs
George could put clamps on KD
What is mentionable is the fact that LBJ took in time at a Lakers summer league game.
No one knows what LBJ is thinking right now.
LBJ is thinking Kyrie could get buckets and gets 7-8 assists just because he controls the ball so much. But Ball can score and facilitate for the whole team plus get Lebron lobs and passes to the basket. Lebron is GONE.