For more than a year it had been expected that on July 1, 2018, Paul George would become a Los Angeles Laker. However, the Thunder still took a chance on trading for him a year ago in hopes of convincing him to remain in Oklahoma City once the free agent window opened.
Late on Saturday night, that was proven to be a smart move as George agreed to a new deal with the Thunder, the length and terms of which are still unknown. George was in OKC at Russell Westbrook’s house for a massive house party that seemed conspicuously timed to be a celebration of his free agency decision.
Sure enough, George took the stage with Westbrook to inform the crowd that he was indeed going to stay with the Thunder, noting he’s going to be here “for a long time,” while Russ hyped him up. The two then enjoyed some cigars while Nas performed.
You heard it here first. pic.twitter.com/jN6gBn6j1Z
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) July 1, 2018
As for the timing of that party and how things happened so quickly, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported shortly after the initial announcement of an agreement that George had informed the Thunder of his decision to return long before any of us knew.
Paul George told the Thunder he was staying “early” so they could set everything up, per sources. In other words, they’ve been operating like he was staying for a bit now.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 1, 2018
George seems to have bought into the Thunder as a team and, most importantly, Westbrook as a star teammate alongside. Even though the Thunder didn’t have the season they wanted last year, George can see the vision and wants to be there with Westbrook, which may be the biggest takeaway from all of this. Westbrook has been plagued by the “selfish teammate” tag for years, but now there’s a star that very clearly wants to be alongside him — as evidenced by his announcement at a party at Russ’ house with him on stage.
