NBA Free Agency Rumors: Paul George Spurns Lakers, Re-Signs With Thunder

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

As a Southern California native and childhood fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, many expected it was merely a matter of time until Paul George joined the organization. That came to the forefront last summer when George asked the Indiana Pacers to trade him.

In an attempt to strong-arm his way to Los Angeles, George made it clear of his intention to sign with the Lakers as a 2018 free agent. Undeterred, the Pacers traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Although he was entering the final year of his contract, the Thunder viewed the opportunity as a year-long audition. They later traded for Carmelo Anthony and assembled a big three that had talent but also appeared flawed.

Oklahoma City flamed out in the first round of the playoffs, lending to more speculation that George would sign with the Lakers once he reached free agency.

After declining his $20.7 million player option for the 2018-19 season, George and the Thunder quickly came to terms on a contract before free agency officially began, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

While there was speculation George would sign a short deal, he’s agreed to a four-year max contract that includes a player option:

George denying the Lakers is a surprise, to say the least, though there had been a growing sense he would remain in Oklahoma City.

Heading into free agency, the Lakers’ were believed to have grand plans of signing George and LeBron James, coupled with a potential trade for Kawhi Leonard. They reportedly are a favorite to sign James, and acquiring Leonard wouldn’t appear to be too farfetched.

George re-signing with the Thunder validates the high praise he had for Russell Westbrook and the organization as a whole throughout the season. Even after their disappointing playoff exit, George spoke fondly of the Thunder.

Medium Large is looking to add motivated individuals with big dreams and a big appetite for success to our LakersNation.com direct sales team based in Los Angeles or Orange County. If you love sports, know digital sales, and can throw your weight behind an aggressive commission based opportunity than we would love to talk to you. Please apply at: http://mediumlarge.la/?jobs=1576. If you meet our criteria we will be in touch!

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com