George looking to 'build something' long-term with free-agency decision
Whether he elects to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, take his talents to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, or end up somewhere else entirely, Paul George wants to create a foundation with whichever team he joins this summer.
"I'm not looking to bounce around and play for multiple teams throughout my career," said George during his All-Star availability Saturday, according to The Oklahoman's Erik Horne. "The decision I make will ultimately be to build something. So, this next decision, whatever it is, is to make sure I'm there for a duration."
George is under contract this season to Oklahoma City for $19.3 million, with a player option worth $20.5 million in 2018-19 that he'll opt out of for a larger deal.
Earlier in the month, the 27-year-old reiterated he "obviously would've loved to go home" to Los Angeles prior to being moved to Oklahoma City via the Indiana Pacers. With the success the Thunder are having, though, paired with his growing bond with teammate Russell Westbrook, the decision he's set to make in free agency in a matter of months won't be an easy one.
All the rumors and reports surrounding George's long-term future, as well as the "we want Paul" chants directed his way from Los Angeles basketball fans whenever he's in town, at least hasn't strained his relationship with the Thunder organization.
"I'm a Thunder and that's all there is to it," George added. "I'm not one foot in, one foot out. I know what team I'm representing and I know what our main goal is."
The Lakers created ample cap room ahead of the trade deadline to potentially sign two max players in July, making them an enticing destination for the league's elite-level stars entering the open market.
Oklahoma City is currently holding down the fifth seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference with a 33-26 record, nine games better than the 23-34 Lakers. George ranks seventh in the Association in 3-point percentage (43.2) to go along with his 22.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, and is a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.