Let’s go over four possible, and one ridiculous, Paul George destinations
Paul George is an unrestricted free agent, so where does he go now?
Paul George officially informed the Oklahoma City Thunder of his intentions to not opt-in on Thursday. It was a move Thunder officials feared, but knew was a large possibility. Even though the Thunder still remain in the hunt for George, they would’ve preferred if he opted in. The 29-year-old is now one of the hottest names on the market this offseason. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season as he showed no signs of slowing down.
After spending a year in a ‘big three’ in Oklahoma City, could George pair up with some superstars elsewhere and contend for his first ring? The likes of Houston and Philadelphia, both contenders, are keen on signing George. Will he come back to Oklahoma City? Unfinished business may drive his decision to return. Or, will he help a franchise rise from the ruins? Wherever he goes, he’s sure to have a big impact. So, what five teams are most likely to land George?
5. Indiana Pacers
I know, I know. Just go with me on this one. Free agency is inherently ridiclous so let’s lean into that with this one.
There are only a handful of teams in the running for Paul George. However, if there’s a leader in the pack of ‘teams unlikely to sign George’ field that signs him, it’s the Indiana Pacers. George played the first seven years of his NBA career in Indiana, becoming a household name in the process as he led the Pacers on multiple deep playoff runs. Although he departed last offseason, it’s possible he returns to the team. There’s an incredibly slim chance, but still a chance.
Although it’s believed George had a falling out with the Pacers front office, evident in a recent Instagram post, he could make a heroic return to Indiana. Imaging George telling the Pacers front office to trade him to make the team better. Then, he’d choose to become an unrestricted free agent and sign with Indiana a year later. Holy crap, that LeBron James-esque power move would shock the NBA. Not to mention, the Pacers did get better.
Victor Oladipo was a breakout star this season, leading Indiana to an impressive season. He and the Pacers nearly knocked the King and the Cavs out of the playoffs early on. Could they have been one player, maybe George, away from doing so? Maybe. That makes you think, doesn’t it? Although it’s not being talked about at all, George could make a heroic return to Indiana in search of the franchise’s first title.
The idea makes for one hell of a narrative, although it’s extremely unlikely to happen.