By Jordan Long
NBA free agency starts July 1st when players can verbally agree to contracts but they can’t officially sign those deals until 6th. Of course, the top free agent is LeBron James and where he will end up going. Another name to watch for is Paul George. George declined his option with Oklahoma City which would have paid him $20.7 million next season.
George could still be interested in staying with the Thunder. He performed well last year. Offensively George was able to take the pressure off of Carmelo Anthony and Russell westbrook. George averaged 21.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.
On defense he started fast breaks with rebounds and steals. Those were opportunities for the Thunder to score more points. George averaged 4.8 defensive rebounds and 2 steals per game. His production helped the Thunder to a 48-34 record, 4th in the Western Conference.
In the 1st-round playoff loss to the Utah Jazz, George scored 24.7 points and added 2.7 assists. On defense he stole the ball 1.3 times per game. It wasn’t his fault the Thunder lost in 6 games to the Jazz. The team as a whole allowed too many easy baskets and wasn’t able to box out the Utah Jazz.
With George as a free agent, he can play wherever he wants. George could still agree to a contract with the Thunder. If that occurs, the Thunder will keep their big three of Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George. They are still a playoff team but that is not enough to knock off the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference although they could be a #2 or #3 seed.
George has shown interest in the Lakers which doesn’t make a lot of sense. The Lakers have a young core of Brandon Ingrag and Lonzo Ball. With these two athletes the Lakers won 35 games, 12 games out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the West.
Adding George to the Lakers may increase their win total and possibly make the playoffs as the 8th seed but that is it. They are not a team ready to win right now. George is seeking a ring. He needs to stay with the Thunder or another NBA franchise who could help him with that goal. The Lakers are not ready. George will decide the best place for him next season.
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