Oklahoma City Thunder: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Thunder trade for Paul George

Paul George trade rumors have swirled since February at the NBA Trade Deadline. A number of teams have been rumored as landing spots, such as the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder were never mentioned as a possible landing spot, yet that is where George ended up.

The Thunder acquired George from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. It was a deal that surprised plenty of people, including George himself. For the Thunder, no matter how you cut it, this was an outstanding deal.

When you acquire the best player in a deal, you are a winner. When it costs you as little as it cost the Thunder, it is even better. The Thunder got out of Oladipo’s over-sized contract, and Sabonis was underwhelming in his rookie season. Even if George leaves after this season, it was a win for the Thunder.

George gives the Thunder another go-to player alongside Westbrook. He can be the centerpiece of the offense whenever Westbrook needs a break, something Oladipo was unable to provide consistently last season.

With George in the fold, the Thunder are much improved on both ends of the court. This was a great move whether George signs long-term with the Thunder or leaves as a free agent next offseason.

Grade: A