His trade last year surprised a lot. Last summer, Paul George joined Kawhi Leonard at the Los Angeles Clippers in a resounding trade that no one saw coming. A deal between two franchises which ultimately had two different visions. Clippers wanting to win right away and a Thunder who arrived at the end of the cycle. And if Sam Presti and Lawrence Franck, the two GMs, quickly came to an agreement, it was because OKC kept their word to George.
At the time of extending it in 2018, the Thunder had made him a promise, without it being signified in the deal. Basically, a verbal agreement that was legally worthless. According to Brian Windhorst’s information, the Thunder’s management team had explained to PG that he would let him go if he so desired in the future.
“From what I understood, this is what the Thunder said to him ‘Paul, re-sign with us and if you feel the need to leave, then come see us and we will work together to accommodate you as best as possible”, explains ESPN’s insider.
In a world where business is king, it is rare to see a word be honored. As a reminder, it was Paul George who had asked to join the Clippers to play with Kawhi Leonard. His wish was granted a few days later. We now understand better why Paul George had not met any other team in 2018.
He sort of kept his hand on his future every summer. What no other team could have promised him. He tried another year, it didn’t work. OKC probably knew he would want to return home to Los Angeles before he turned 30. In the lot, OKC was able to get their hands on picks, the very promising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari who, even if he is going to leave the ship, rendered invaluable services.
Paul George like crazy when he learns his trade at the Clippers
