George: New-look Thunder 'feels like a championship team'

On paper, the new-look Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA today: Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George should inspire fear among the Association's elite class.

Just ask George himself.

“This feels like a championship team,” George told USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick. “I'm in a good place. I know Russ (Westbrook) is in a good place. Melo (Anthony) is motivated more than ever … You put us three together, who all have something to prove still, (and) we're going to be a special team. We have a young group, a lot of talent here, an unbelievable coach (in Billy Donovan), (and) as you see, a front office that's willing to do whatever it takes to improve the team. It just has all the makeups to be a great organization and a chance to put championships together.”

George was acquired via trade from the Indiana Pacers in early July. Once the New York Knicks and Thunder make a call into the league office Monday, Anthony's blockbuster trade will also be complete, allowing the veteran forward to join his new star teammates in Oklahoma City.

To acquire George and Anthony - who share 14 All-Star selections between them - the Thunder have parted ways with wings Victor Oladipo and Doug McDermott, big men Enes Kanter and Domantas Sabonis, and a second-round pick.

“The most beautiful thing about it is (that) this organization (lets) all their players know what's going on," George said. "There's nothing under the table. There's nothing hidden since I've been here so far. So I was aware of what was going on. I was extremely happy. I was pushing for this opportunity to play with (Anthony). I'm extremely happy … The first year I get here, we already have three superstars on the team. It just goes to show what's possible with different organizations.”