Minutes before the NBA’s free agency moratorium period was to begin, news broke that Paul George agreed to sign a new contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Paul George has committed to sign a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2018
Earlier in the day, rumors began surfacing that Russell Westbrook was hosting a house party at Lake Arcadia near Oklahoma City in order to celebrate some big news. Among the projected notable guests, Paul George was to attend, flying in from Los Angeles earlier in the afternoon.
Not only was Paul George at the party, but the big announcement was in fact from his own mouth: “I’m here to stay. We can bring it home.”
You heard it here first. pic.twitter.com/jN6gBn6j1Z
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) July 1, 2018
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the announcement is the fact that Paul George did not even give the Los Angeles Lakers a meeting, despite the fact that he had made comments previously about how exciting it would be to play for his hometown team.
**UPDATE**
The details of George’s contract are said to be for four years and $137 million.
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
This will make the Thunder’s puzzling financial situation even more difficult, and while it puts Oklahoma City deep into the luxury tax, the news of Paul George returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder solidifies Sam Presti’s gutsy move last summer as this marks the biggest free agency signing in franchise history.
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I’ve got to confess, I didn’t think it would happen.