Breaking down Paul George's FA options
When Paul George placed his request for a trade, he gained the interest of several teams. The list included the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were attempting to keep LeBron from opting-out and leave himself, and the Boston Celtics, who held a 2018 first-round draft pick from Brooklyn and a bunch of other assets. But it also raised the question of whether or not it would be a just one-year rental for George, who allegedly wanted to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers the following summer.
Also read: 5 Possible destinations for Paul George
Therefore, it caught many people in and around the NBA by surprise when the Pacers decided to trade George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, for what seemed like the cheap price of former second pick overall Victor Oladipo and rookie Domantas Sabonis. The Thunder had finished sixth in the western conference the previous year and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Houston Rockets.
Trading for PG-13 was the Thunders' way of getting back to contention and persuading their franchise player Russell Westbrook to sign a new, long-term contract. They raised the stakes even higher, after pulling another blockbuster trade with the acquisition of former scoring champion Carmelo Anthony. Westbrook signed a new five-year, $205 million contract extension and the Thunder front office believed that achieving some sort of success this year might convince Paul George to extend his stay as well.
Nevertheless, in order to keep the five-time all-star they had to perform well too. Westbrook was so confident in OKC, that when asked about the teams' pitch to Paul George this summer, he said "Sales pitch gonna be when we win a championship." This pretentious plan suffered a huge blow due to starter Andre Roberson's season-ending injury and the Thunder's 48-34 record, a single win better than the previous season. In addition, the Utah Jazz knocked out the Thunder in six games in the first round of the playoffs, putting a disappointing end to the season. With the upper mentioned championship-based pitch suggested by Russ now officially busted, how will the free agent pitches for Paul George will look like?
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder will hope that the relationship created between George and Russ is good and strong enough to pave the way for a new deal. However, they will also have to refer to the Melo situation. Anthony averaged over 20 points on each of his previous 14 seasons in the league, but managed to put up only 16.2 PPG during this one, alongside a career-low field-goal percentage of 40.4%.
The problem might have been, as he himself suggested, that the team had "no strategy to him being there". Coach Billy Donovan entered training camp with a certain tactic, revolving mostly around defensive stops and fast breaks, a scheme not suitable for player like Melo. Because of that, most of Anthony's shot attempts came from either catch-and-shoot situations or isolation mid-range jump shots.
This style of play will not satisfy George anymore and unless Donovan, who will carry on as coach next season, will be able to present a way to incorporate Melo efficiently, considering that he is likely to exercise his $27.9 million option for 2018-19, PG is as good as gone.
Los Angeles Lakers
Of course, George supposedly informed the Pacers' front office he intends to opt-out of his contract in 2018 and sign with the Lakers, making this move the most expected one. The Lakers will have plenty of cap flexibility this summer, with just $34.5 million in guaranteed salaries. This gives them the opportunity to woo several top free agents, including LeBron James, who wanted PG to join him in Cleveland last year.
This possibility of a star-studded team, together with the "ShowTime" style of play encouraged by Lakers legend and current president Magic Johnson, Paul George might be already set on wearing purple and gold next year.
Philadelphia 76ers
George left Indiana to become a legit title contender and joining a lottery team like the Lakers might be setting him back in his quest. The Sixers, on the other hand, already proved that in the first season with all the fruits of "The Process" healthy - give or take one Markelle Fultz, they are a legitimate Finals contender from the east. They can also squeeze a max contract under the cap this year and will hope to attach it to a big name.
In a different year, Paul George would have been the hottest name on the free agent board, but a certain someone named LeBron James will be the center of attention this upcoming July and will probably have a big effect on George's decision. Depending on different cap situations, the two might decide to join forces, as James did with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade back in 2010, to make a new super-team in the NBA and help George make his first finals appearance, and perhaps his first ring.
