With NBA free agency to commence on July 1, all stakeholders are largely holding their breath while they await news of where several massive dominoes will fall. Chiefly, LeBron James and Paul George, who are both expected to decline their player options for next season, and disgruntled San Antonio Spurs trade target Kawhi Leonard.
Now, at least one of those dominoes doesn't look likely to fall very far. Multiple teams have indicated they expect George to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer, according to The Washington Post's Tim Bontemps.
George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game with the Thunder last season, his first after being acquired via trade from the Indiana Pacers in June 2017.
His future has long been tied to a return to his home city of Los Angeles, particularly with the Lakers, who presently have enough cap space and young assets to bring on both George and a second All-Star-caliber piece with minimal roster reshaping. Lakers president Magic Johnson went as far as to declare he would resign from his position should the team fail to bring on star talent via free agency over the next two offseasons.
While George could have returned to the Thunder for one more year for $20.7 million, he reportedly informed the team he would not exercise his player option, electing to become an unrestricted free agent. Whether he returns to Oklahoma City or signs elsewhere, the 28-year-old five-time All-Star stands to receive a considerable raise - presumably a maximum contract, in terms of both annual salary and length.
