Paul George Explains His Decision to Stay in OKC

Paul George with Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018
Paul George with Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018. Photo by Jevone Moore/Cal Sport Media/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9366774al)

In one of the most surprising moves this NBA offseason, Paul George decided to turn down the opportunity to play in his hometown of Los Angeles. Instead, the 28-year-old All-Star agreed to prolong his stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder, signing a four-year deal with the team.

Now, while attending USA Basketball’s minicamp, PG13 decided to explain his decision to stay with the OKC. George said that although he wanted to get back home, he loved the situation in Oklahoma and decided to “around a little longer.”

It was absolutely tempting,” – said George about the opportunity to join LA Lakers. “Honestly, I wanted to come back home. But again, I got traded to Oklahoma. Loved the situation. Loved where I was at. I decided to stick around a little longer.

I just wanted my free agency to be over with. In my heart, I felt great about Oklahoma and I wasn’t going to prolong it if I felt good about it already.” – he added.

Before entering the final year of his contract with the Indiana Pacers, Paul George decided to tell the organization that he doesn’t intend to sign the extension and would prefer to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, Lakers opted against trading for George, thinking they will get him for free in the summer of 2018. Knowing this, Thunder decided to make a gamble and trade for him regardless. The risk ended up paying off, and George remained in Oklahoma without even giving Lakers a meeting with him.

Although Paul George put up significant numbers in the past season – 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game – Oklahoma City Thunder underachieved and ended up being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. George is well aware of this and intends to make a better impression in the next season.

I felt when it came down to it and all the factors that played into it, deep down there was a nasty taste where we finished,” – he said. “I just felt I had more to offer. I had more to give. I just felt about where we were as a whole.”

Gunner's favorite movies are Pulp Fiction, Iron Man (just the first one), and every James Bond film ever made. He's learning TV and cinema and hoping to always enjoy movies as he does now.