OKC Lands Paul George in Shocking Trade

In a total shocker on the eve of free agency, the Oklahoma City Thunder has traded for Paul George. OKC is sending Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to Indiana in exchange for the 27-year-old swingman, but the deal surprisingly includes no draft picks. The trade was originally reported by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

While there’s an inherent risk in acquiring George — after all, he can choose to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season — the potential reward is worth the risk for GM Sam Presti. He found a package that worked and made it happen, and did so without crippling the rest of the roster. The loss of Oladipo and Sabonis will be felt should George ultimately become a rental, but the deal was far too good to pass up.

George is an elite two-way player that averaged 23.7 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Pacers last season. In pairing him with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, the Thunder has now entered the “super team” arms race and given Westbrook every reason to sign his contract extension.

Much, much more to come.