Paul George opts out, but will he re-sign with the Thunder?

Paul George declines option, ready to give Thunder fans another scare

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts to a call in the second half during Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz beat the Thunder 115-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Paul George declines his option, paving the way for a potential exit to Los Angeles.

Paul George will officially become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Oklahoma City Thunder forward informed the team that he will be declining his player option, allowing him to test the market in the offseason.

Before Thunder fans begin to panic, this was to be expected. Picking up his option would have meant making $20.7 million next season. He can sign a one-year contract with Oklahoma City at $30.3 million plus a player option for the following season at $32.7 million. As far as longterm solutions go, he can sign a five-year, $176 million deal with the Thunder.

Or, and this is where you can panic if you’re in Oklahoma City, he can leave for Los Angeles.

While reports indicate that George is “comfortable in OKC” and “enjoys playing with Russell Westbrook,” those are the same reports Thunder fans heard two years ago. Kevin Durant re-signing with the franchise looked like a mere formality. Then, he ruined Fourth of July for everyone not in the Bay Area.

George had an All-Star season next to Westbrook, averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. During his ESPN special on Tuesday, George said, “I felt I didn’t finish as strong as I could have. Just knowing you left something on the table, even to this point now, it weighs on me.”

He shot 2-16 from the field in Game 6 against Utah as the Thunder fell 96-91 to end their season.

The Thunder and Lakers appear to be the only two teams in the running for George. The five-time All-Star is a native of California and made no secret about his desire to play in Los Angeles last offseason, which is why the Indiana Pacers traded him.

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Sam Presti and Oklahoma City knew the risk when they acquired George. They spent all season preparing for this week. Now, all they can do is sit back and hope another franchise small forward doesn’t bolt for California.

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