Paul George agrees to max contract with Oklahoma City Thunder – report

MANILA, Philippines – Paul George said Saturday night, June 30, he is planning on remaining with the Oklahoma City Thunder, just two days after announcing he was becoming a free agent, ESPN reported on Saturday night.

The 5-time All-Star made the announcement at a house party in Oklahoma City hosted by teammate Russell Westbrook.

“Let me say again I am here to stay,” the American broadcaster reported George as saying. “We can bring it home.”

Nothing is official as the teams and players cannot formally sign contracts until Friday, July 6.

Paul George has agreed to a four-year, $137M max contract with the Thunder, league source tells ESPN. Deal includes a player option.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2018

Deal includes a player option on the third year, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2018

If George, 28, sticks with that statement, it would be a huge blow to the Los Angeles Lakers, who have spent a year trying to lure the California native back to the state.

On Thursday, June 28, George told the Thunder he is not opting into his final year on his contract and would become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.

George was traded to the Thunder almost a year ago after telling the Indiana Pacers he would not re-sign with them.

Oklahoma City finished with 48 victories and the Western Conference’s 4th seed but were eliminated by the Utah Jazz in 6 games in the first round of the playoffs.

After acquiring Carmelo Anthony in September, the Thunder appeared to have formed a superteam with the then-reigning league MVP Westbrook.

The season didn’t go as planned, however, as Anthony underachieved and Westbrook had to carry the team on his back for many games.

Case in point was George’s last game, in which Westbrook scored 46 points and George finished with just five points on two-of-16 shooting.

George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 79 games this season for the Thunder. – Rappler.com