To say that this season has not gone too swimmingly for Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder would be an understatement.
Oklahoma City heads into Wednesday’s action with a 12-14 record and as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. Having added George and fellow All-Star Carmelo Anthony to the mix this past summer, expectations were that this team might contend for an NBA title.
While reigning MVP Russell Westbrook continues to play stellar basketball, That just doesn’t seem to be in the cards. And it’s led to rumors swirling about that OKC might in fact look to deal George, an impending free agent, prior to February’s trade deadline.
“The Thunder have caught the attention of many around the league, with rival executives already wondering whether George could potentially find his way back on the trade block if things don’t improve,” ESPN’s Royce Young reported Thursday morning.
More so than George not necessarily fitting in right away with the Thunder, he just hasn’t performed up to his All-NBA self this season. The 27-year-old wing is averaging what would be a four-year low 20.6 points per game while shooting at a lackluster 42 percent from the field.
Acquired from Indiana mere months ago, George is set to become a free agent after this season. Previous rumors suggested that he was intent on signing with the hometown Los Angeles Lakers next summer (more on that here).
This would obviously limit any return the Thunder might get for George if they do decide to move him. The Lakers aren’t going to hand over assets to OKC if they believe firmly George will sign with the team next summer. Meanwhile, other teams aren’t going to pay a huge bounty for what will likely be a rental.
Oklahoma City went all in by adding Anthony and George to the mix. It makes sense for the team to continue that philosophy, especially if the return it receives would be minimal. But in no way does this mean George will finish out the season in OKC. It will surely be a telling next couple of weeks for this maligned squad and its big three.