Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

2. Paul George’s future with Thunder up in the air

Since demanding his way out of Indiana, the majority of onlookers have firmly believed that George’s sole season with the Thunder was merely a stepping stone to joining his hometown Los Angeles Lakers. Now technically a free agent, George’s decision is going to pivotal to the future direction of the franchise.

At his recent season-ending exit interview, George commented on the situation he faces this offseason:

"“I haven’t been in a position to be a free agent or know what that is like, and then to have the chance to go where you want to go. That’s always been, I feel with players, they want that option. But then you go into an organization where they kind of check the boxes on all the things that you want out of an organization, and then immediately they become a candidate to where you want to play long-term. “So that was the case. That’s been the case here. They honestly check the boxes where I needed those boxes to be checked from what a player wants and needs out of a front office, out of a medical group, out of teammates, out of coaching staff.”"

Despite these proclamations, the noise surrounding George’s possible departure has not subsided. Recently, ESPN‘s Ryen Russillo noted his firm belief that George is set to explore his options this summer:

"“It’s the first time I’ve heard from anybody that I trust that George is gone. I don’t know where, it’s a ‘he’s gone’ deal.”"

Russillo is an extremely respected voice in the industry, and hence his comments hold a great deal of credence. When pressed about Russillo’s comments, Presti noted:

From the Thunder’s perspective, they still hold a distinct advantage in being able to offer George five years on his upcoming deal, as opposed to the maximum four years on offer if he decides to continue his career elsewhere. The following is certainly encouraging as it pertains to re-signing George:

In 79 regular season games, George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 36.6 minutes per game. Furthermore, he ranked second in the league in steals at 2.0 per game, while also ranking second in deflections at 3.9 per game. In the process, the 28-year-old George was named an All-Star for the fifth time in his career.

In addition to the aforementioned Lakers, there’s going to be no shortage of suitors vying for George’s services this summer, with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat among those expected to make offers.

So with the free agency period not beginning until July 1, the next of months are likely to represent an uneasy waiting time for the front office of the Thunder.