The Oklahoma City Thunder are facing the possibility of losing Paul George without compensation if he leaves in free agency, but it’s a gamble the team is willing to face.
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, NBA executives have said George is “untouchable” in trade discussions.
That George won’t be traded isn’t a surprise, but it’s noteworthy that Oklahoma City isn’t realistically entertaining offers. Following the 2017-18 season, George likely will decline his player option and enter unrestricted free agency.
Rumors have constantly connected the kid from Southern California to the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, the Cleveland Cavaliers hold the Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected first-round pick in 2018. George has plenty of interested suitors, but the Thunder want to keep him.
OKC, which is 31-24 and hold the fifth-place spot in the Western Conference, is committed to the three-man group of Russell Westbrook, George and Carmelo Anthony leading a championship charge.
The Thunder are reportedly expected to make a trade before the deadline, but it won’t involve PG13.