While the Lakers are still expected to be a strong contender for Paul George in free agency this summer, the forward’s latest public comments suggest he might be leaning toward remaining in Oklahoma City. As ESPN’s Royce Young writes, Russell Westbrook, who told reporters in strong terms on Wednesday that George should have been an All-Star, is a key reason why George will seriously consider re-signing with the Thunder.
“Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming even more easier to make… the character Russ [has],” George told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols. “A stand-up guy, and he has his teammate’s back.
“It was awesome for a teammate to have your back and to stand up,” George continued. “And to be honest, he should be a starter. He’s been the MVP, been the best player at his position. He should’ve been a starter, but that’s another story. But the fact Russ had my back, that’s my guy forever, and it’s more apparent what this decision needs to be made when it comes down to it.”
Although George sounds today like a man ready to stick with the Thunder when his current contract expires, plenty could change in the next five months — an early playoff exit, for instance, could hurt the team’s offseason recruiting pitch. Still, Oklahoma City will have George’s Bird rights, giving the team the ability to offer more years and more money than rival suitors, and the front office has to be encouraged by the relationship between its star forward and star point guard.
Westbrook is under contract with the Thunder through at least 2022, so if George wants to continue playing with the reigning MVP, re-upping in OKC on a long-term deal this summer would be the logical move.
Westbrook made the decision easy for KD, too.
yes! very good point.
Notice nothing about Melo.
so?
OKC need to trade Melo for Kevin Love asap
Cavs aren’t taking on Melo even if the thunder were to throw in their next 4 first rounders. And certainly not for KLove. Maybe the cans would trade zizic for Melo. Or maybe Frye for Melo.
That would be a dope trade and I’m down although the Cavs would get much worse and the Thunder would get much better
Melo does what he wants I thought that was understood
Westbrook is like most great NBA players: a selfish prima dona with a chip on his shoulder. What he lacks is respect. Respect for his teammates and respect for the game. He would already have atleast one championship ring if he had an ounce of humility.
So you must have read a different article to this then?!
No he just has a brain and a memory. We all know exactly who and what Westbrook is. This article doesn’t move the needle.
The MVP??
He’d have a championship ring if he jumped to a contender instead of trying to build one. You’re talking about his lack of respect on an article that talks about Paul George wanting to re-sign because he respects Russ. Great take we all know you reading comprehension skills now
Paul George is a joke. Sure he says that today…but says something different tomorrow. He was going to stay in Indiana too…until he said differently. Or until he got the stripper in Florida pregnant and she wouldn’t accept his $1 million payout to kill his unborn child (at the time).
And why does anyone want him (if they are paying a max salary)? He has never won anything or been on a winning team where he’s one of the “main” players. Big Loser in college, only won with the Pacers as a supporting player…and nothing as “the guy.”